The in-house Youth Fellowship discussion led by Diana Alex, brought together young families from the Mar Thoma church. During this gathering, participants actively shared their experiences of fiery trials that has come on them to test them and how they survived those ordeals.
Faith
As Hebrews 11:1 says Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Childlike faith is an interesting concept. You see our kids trust us so willingly from birth and even without a second thought. They trust that we’ll provide for them and protect them. They have faith that everything is taken care of. They don’t have reason to worry. They jump into the car for the ride to soccer and they don’t question if they may get injured. They trust we’ll get them there safely. They aren’t thinking of the “what ifs.” They trust we’ll always love them.
As Matthew 7:11 says We, being evil, give and give to our children, so why would we question God’s goodness? Why would we think any less of our Savior and Heavenly Father. It is a lack of faith that keeps us from trusting God. We could learn from our young children. They don’t fear the everyday things. They simply trust mom and dad have it under control. They enjoy today and don’t worry about tomorrow. Today we need to be reminded of the childlike faith. Let go of the burdens and simply trust in God.
Trials
Trials are designed by the Lord to test our faith, humility, submission, and values.
- Trials might be Discipline from God
Start with examining our own hearts. God often uses trials or sicknesses to get our attention and reveal sin. As a loving Father, he wants to restore us to fellowship with him. Hebrews 12:7-11 reminds us to Endure hardship as discipline. God is treating you as his children. If you are not disciplined, then you are not true sons and daughters at all. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
- Trials are testing of faith and to strengthen our faith
Suffering causes people to forsake God. Satan wants to destroy our faith. Suffering tests our faith in God. Suffering reveals the quality of our faith. Suffering deepens our faith. When we’re suffering, our relationship with God is our greatest refuge. Don’t let Satan push you away from God or cause you to waver in your faith in God. Let God be your refuge when you suffer. James 1 says to consider it pure joy whenever you face trials because, the testing of faith produces perseverance. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. So, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)
- Trials are an opportunity for self-reflection and to build character
Romans 5:3-5 says We glory in our sufferings because, we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
One of the greatest difficulties in life is coping with suffering when it touches you and the people you love. If you are burdened with suffering or troubles, the real-life story of the Old Testament man Job offers you hope. Job was a righteous man who served God with his whole heart. He endured suffering at every point in his life — his possessions were destroyed, his children were killed, and his health was ruined. Job didn’t understand his suffering and anguish. Job addresses the question: “Why does God allow His people to suffer?” Sixteen times Job asked, “Why am I suffering?” Instead of giving him the answers he wanted, God assured Job that He was in control and that He alone knew the reason for Job’s suffering. God taught Job that: It is better to know God, than to know all the answers. That can be hard to accept when we want to know all the answers. Job didn’t need to know why he was suffering. He needed to know who — who was in control, who loved him, and who would be with him in his suffering. Job needed a new understanding of God.
Finally, as 1 Peter 5:10 says After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
Comfort in Trials
How can we take advantage of these opportunities to mature spiritually? The following responses are keys to enduring tests and trials through God’s grace:
- Entrust in God and our promise of Salvation
The apostle Peter urges us to trust Jesus Christ as our Savior – even during tremendous suffering and pain. We are to bear the burdens of each day without complaint – and we are even exhorted to accept unjust suffering without complaining, for when we suffer unjustifiably, we gain the approval of our Heavenly Father.
The normal response when things in life are unfair is to retaliate or to try to justify ourselves, and yet Peter points out that there is no glory when we are afflicted for our faults. He argues that there is no credit when we are harshly treated because of our own wrongdoing. “What glory is there,” he argues, “when you are punished for your sin?” You can’t expect to be praised for your offenses!
“However,” he adds, “when you do what is right and suffer for it, without complaining and patiently endure it, this finds favor in the eyes of the Lord.” For God approves of the one that suffers for righteousness’ sake.
- Meditate on the Word of God
As Romans 10:17 says Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. When Jesus was tested in the wilderness, He responded to each temptation by quoting Scripture. We can follow Jesus’ example and successfully engage in spiritual warfare by proclaiming truth in the face of tests, trials, and temptations. Ephesians 6:17 describes the Word of God as “the sword of the Spirit”—the only offensive weapon in our spiritual armor.
- Share with the Christian community and draw strength from each other!
Being surrounded by those who love Christ is unique for several reasons: the support we lend one another through trials and personal endeavors, the sorrow and joy we partake in alongside our brethren, and the constant encouragement to set our hope in Jesus through all circumstances constitutes a healthy body of Christ. It truly is a blessing to not only be Christ’s servant, but to have like-minded believers there strongly encouraging you to push on and grow more in the faith regardless of the trials you go through.
As 1 Thessalonians 5 reminds us, it’s important that we build up and encourage one another with our words and with our actions – especially in the midst of trials.
Let us trust in God’s infinite wisdom and His perfect love for us. Let us seek God’s presence amid our pain. May sufferings drive us into God’s arms and not cause us to walk away from God.
Summarized by Tessy Mathew
