Everyday, we encounter situations and circumstances that test our faith in God, sometimes feeling overwhelming. Whether it’s the consequences of our own poor choices, the actions of those around us (such as spouses, parents, friends, or neighbours), or challenges stemming from the environment we inhabit, dark times can envelop us. Consider, for instance, a young girl who endured abuse from her parents, or someone who lost a loved one due to inadequate healthcare facilities in their country.
Similarly, the repercussions of reckless behaviour, like driving under the influence of alcohol leading to a life-altering accident, can leave lasting scars. Such experiences often prompt introspection, seeking to assign blame or understanding. However, the pain intensifies when there’s no apparent cause to attribute our struggles to. Whether it’s receiving a sudden cancer diagnosis, the unexpected loss of a cherished person, unjust termination of employment, or unexplainable joblessness, the haunting question arises: “Why me?”
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you happen to be on the side of eternity where the god of the system happens to be a cruel master (Devil) who does not play by the rules. To illustrate, consider a football match in progress: if you were to step onto the field, you’d inevitably be struck by the ball or collide with players. Similarly, in this fractured world, challenges are inevitable. Regrettably, contemporary believers often aren’t instructed that encountering trials is an integral aspect of our spiritual journey.
When adversity arises, those around us may question our faith, especially if we insist we’ve done nothing to deserve it. Yet, haven’t we overlooked James 1:2, which urges believers to “count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations”? Does this mean we’re to find joy amidst trials? Indeed, that’s precisely what Scripture teaches. However, does this imply that everything we endure is directly orchestrated by God? Certainly not. Nor does it suggest that God derives pleasure from our suffering. Rather, what I want us to know is that the ordeals we go through are GOD PERMITTED. Hmm… that’s a lot to take in. Let’s look at these scriptures:
1 Corinthians 10:12 (GNB) tells us that “Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out”.
Job 1:12 “All right,” the LORD said to Satan, “everything he has is in your power, but you must not hurt Job himself.” So Satan left.
Job 2:6 So the LORD said to Satan, “All right, he is in your power, but you are not to kill him.”
God is the one who regulates what can and cannot happen to you. Imagine an egg, a carrot, and coffee beans. These items possess distinct physical attributes: the egg, is delicate and requires gentle handling; the carrot, is sturdy; and the coffee beans, are resilient. Yet, when subjected to boiling water, each transforms. The once delicate egg hardens, the carrot softens, while the coffee beans, though maintaining their hardness, release their essence into the water, enriching it.
Reflecting on this analogy, we must consider which archetype we resemble. Are we akin to the egg, allowing life’s challenges to embitter us, fostering anger toward God, and withdrawing from Him? People in this category revert to drugs, alcohol or other things that will distract them from the situation. Or do we mirror the carrot, succumbing to life’s pressures, and sinking into despair and self-pity? Or are we of the coffee beans breed, rising above adversity like the eagles mount up in a storm? These individuals, even when all hell breaks loose their faith, commitment and conviction in God become fortified and with perseverance are determined to come out stronger because they know that sorrows are transient, enduring only for a night.
Beloved, don’t let your pain go to waste. The enemy often capitalizes on our pains, aiming to shake our faith in God and weaken our commitment to His principles. However, God’s perspective on allowing us to endure such seasons is one of GLORY (Romans 8:18). There’s a type of glory that can only emerge from times of testing, trials, and affliction. Consider Jesus’s life as a prime example. For Him to become the captain of our salvation, He had to endure suffering. Just like it is in the pressing of grapes that wine is produced and it is in the furnace of fire that gold is refined, so are certain abilities, capacities, and fragrances within us only become visible when we face adversity.
People like Joseph discovered their destiny amidst affliction and betrayal, while figures such as Esther, Daniel, and the three Hebrew boys found their purpose in slavery. Jesus found fulfilment in His death, and even individuals like Hannah, through her barrenness, gave an entire nation (Israel) a mighty Prophet (Samuel). So, utilize your pain as a means to achieve glory, and use tough times as opportunities to deepen your intimacy with God, just as Abraham did when he came to know God as El-Shaddai and Jireh in seemingly hopeless situations.
How do I allow God’s glory to be revealed in moments of hardship?
- Repentance: If there is something to be repented of, do go to him and tell him how sorry you are for that poor choice that has opened the loophole for the devil. By doing this, you can stand firm, without any holes in your armour.
- Prayer and Worship: God never allows us to face situations without providing for our well-being, as seen in I Corinthians 10:12. The provision for our survival is His Spirit. Without His Spirit, the weight of the burden would crush us. It is through prayer and the atmosphere of worship that, like coffee beans releasing their flavour into water, the capacity of the Spirit within us is unleashed to overcome external pressure (2 Corinthians 4:7– But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us). This power can manifest in various forms: strength, restraint, direction, unspeakable joy amidst turmoil, and more. Therefore, whether in the bathroom, at night, on the train, or while driving, never cease to pray both for long and short prayers in your understanding and especially prayer in unknown tongues. Keep singing songs and psalms, making melodies in your hearts, acknowledging His power and sovereignty over your life and circumstances, and surrendering your troubled heart to Him. It is in such an atmosphere and lifestyle that ashes are exchanged for beauty, mourning for joy and shame for glory, (Revelation 7 & 8). During tough times, praying may feel challenging as our emotions plummet and we’re tempted to give up. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the challenges we face don’t consider our emotions when they come upon us. Likewise, let’s detach ourselves from our feelings and persevere in prayer.
- God’s word: Finally, resolve to adhere to the instructions of Scripture. You cannot go wrong by sticking to the Word. Challenges may tempt you to compromise, offering a shortcut outside the boundaries set by Scripture to get out of the mess. Throughout the Bible, we see examples such as Joseph, Abraham, Jesus, and Job presented with opportunities to compromise. Some succumbed to compromise, while others remained steadfast in their adherence to the Word. Even if you cannot discern what God is saying at that time, turn to the scriptures. If the circumstances tempt you towards bitterness, unforgiveness, retaliation, or turning away from God, instead, choose to speak and act following God’s Word. For instance, if a known person is the cause of the pain you are in, choose to forgive, and let the situation know that you won’t abandon your faith in God because of it. But like Sarah, you judge him faithful and stand firm with Him. If you align your actions with the Word, you will emerge from the trial stronger than before.
In conclusion, Romans 8:18 (BBE) “I am of the opinion that there is no comparison between the pain of this present time and the glory which we will see in the future”.
(KJV) For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Be encouraged soldier, there is a weight of glory that God wants to work in your life through what you go through. Be determined to come out on the other side stronger.
Daniel Akanji
Daniel is a child of God with the desire to make Jesus known. As a result, he is involved in some prayer and mission initiatives to reach lives for Jesus from the secret to the open. Professionally, he is a Robotic Engineer by training and specializes in software development.