Trials, Is There a Purpose?

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley

Do you like the trials and struggles of life? I don’t know of any that would say they do. In fact, I’m sure that many would feel that we don’t need them, yet they come anyway.

Some have said that the trials and struggles of life serve to make us stronger. Do they? Are they teaching moments that we all seem to need from time to time or are there other ways that we could learn the same lesson without the experience?

I, like many, like to be in control.  Having our ducks in a row and everything fitting into its proper place is the way we like it. Having no control disrupts our sense of security and normalcy. Are we living in a fantasy world when we think that we can control everything and everyone? Perhaps so, but that doesn’t stop us from trying. We like predictable. We want to know what’s coming around the corner. We don’t like surprises because they disrupt our sense of power and control.

The Apostle James shared that the various trials and tribulations are to be welcomed because of the many things that they produce in us. How many get excited about this? Probably not many, but the truth is, they do create good things in us, things that we could probably not learn in any other way. So, do I just gracefully resign myself to the fact that trials will come and that I just need to go along with it? Perhaps not.

I believe that it comes down to outlook. Is the thing I’m experiencing right now happening to me or for me? If I step out of the victim position, I start to see that even though I may not be able to control the circumstance I can make it work for me. I can choose to not be a victim of it but rather one who allows it to move me into a better place. Giving into the trial only gives our power away. We need to understand that even though it may have knocked me down, it is still my responsibility to get back up. Think about it.