Perseverance in Trial

In this life, we cannot control some of the things that happen to us. We can only control how we react to those things that happen. It is a guarantee that, as a Christian, you will have trials and tribulations that you have to walk through. How will you handle your trials? Will you pout, complain, become angry, or quit? Will you be quiet, humble, patient, and perseverant? I recently heard evangelist Cody Marks say, "I wonder what would happen if we worship better than we worried. I wonder what would happen if we praised better than we pouted. I wonder what would happen if we shouted better than we stressed. I wonder what would happen if we danced better than we doubted." That certainly does give a new perspective on our attitudes, doesn't it?

We can keep going through our trial because we know that God is in control of our lives. Jeremian 29:11 declares, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." We also have the promise written in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." No matter what comes your way, God is sovereign over your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." God will direct you during your difficult time.

We are called to patiently wait on God when we are in a trial. Paul says in Romans 12:12, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Isaiah 40:31 declares, "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." God will strengthen us when we are patient.

We can persevere in trial because we know that according to 1 Corinthians 10:13, God will make a way out of our trials. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." God knows just how much you can handle, and He knows when to release the pressure that is on you. Psalm 25:15 states, "My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net." Again, God will make a way out!

Just knowing that God is with you can be an encouragement during times of trial. Joshua 1:9 is a great reminder of God's presence. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Psalm 23 says, Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 41:10, "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." God is always right there when I need Him. Sometimes I can't see Him working instantly, but He did promise to always be there.

We can also persevere under trial because of the rewards we will gain in the end. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

We can have peace in our tribulations. In John 14:27, Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." We can have peace knowing that God is holding us in the palms of His hands.

Realizing Who is on your side during a trial can make you more confident. It sure looked one-sided when little David went up against the giant Goliath. David confidently spoke in 1 Samuel 17:45, “Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” David knew that God was on his side and victory was won! Luke 1:37 assures us, "For nothing will be impossible with God." Philippians 4:19 encourages, "And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." What do we have to fear when God can do anything we have need of? Romans 8:31-32 states, "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

No matter in what situation we find ourselves, we can still give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." God is working everything out according to His great plan that He has orchestrated for your life.

Don't give up when your trials seem never-ending. Encourage yourself in the Lord and delight in His faithful promises!