Who doesn’t wish for an easier life?

Maybe those with lots of money?

I doubt that highly – they have even more to stress about than the average person.

Most, if not all of us, would prefer a life without aches and pains, loss, worry, bills, stress and whatever else is negative in our lives.

But let’s be honest, would we depend on God if it were so?

Probably not.

We tend to suffer from short term memory loss; once we’re in plenty, we forget the prayers we prayed when we were in want. That is until we are in need again.

The point is, like it or not, trials keep us connected to God.

And unlike the age-old belief, God does not send trials our way.

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;” James 1:13 NIV

But He does allow it.

And I know it sounds crazy, but should we be grateful?

Hear me out.

Ask yourself, where would you be now in your Christian journey had you not experienced that loss, or that health scare, or whatever it was that brought you to your knees?

This is why Paul could say in Romans 5:3-4 NIV, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Will it be easy? Not at all.

Remember though, that God is with us even in the midst of our trials. While He may allow it, He doesn’t abandon us to it.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

This is where our faith comes in. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NIV

The trials of this old, sin-filled world keep our faith muscles constantly at work. They also remind us that this world is not our home. We long and look for something better. ”
“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:10 NIV

So keep flexing your faith muscle friend. For we are told that, “…this small and temporary trouble we suffer will bring us a tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble. For we fix our attention, not on things that are seen, but on things that are unseen. What can be seen lasts only for a time, but what cannot be seen lasts for ever.”
2 Corinthians 4:17‭-‬18 GNB

Have a faith-filled Friday!