Because of some recent events in my life these Scripture passages have come back to me as a reassuring reminder.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. (James 5:10-11)
In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1Peter 1:6-7)
No matter what life’s trials may be God is sovereign over all of them. Our God is the sovereign over all His creation. He made the Earth and all that is in it (Gen 1). He made us as a potter makes a vessel (Rom 9:21). Since He made us He has the right to tell us what to do and He has the right to direct our lives.
We see from these verses that our trials should produce fruit in us as the chosen of God. In our trials we are perfected in our faith, sanctified, and have an opportunity to witness to those around us as to the hope that is within us (1 Pet 3:15)
If you are facing cancer you have the opportunity to witness to the doctors when they are wondering why you are not in despair over your situation. If you have lost a job you can witness to those who see you react in faith that God will supply all your needs (Phil 4:19 and Matt 6:26, 30)
We can rest assured that God is faithful in keeping His promises and never changes (Heb 6:17-18) and that He will complete His work in our lives (Phil 1:6). God will also be faithful to work everything for the good of those who are called unto Him (Rom 8:28). This does not mean that everything will be perfect for us here on Earth, but that in His sovereign will He will work for our sancification. In fact we are promised that we will be persecuted if we desire to live a godly life (2 Tim 3:12).
