Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Trusting God in prayer with our biggest worries is an anxiety killer, and being thankful to God for our deepest, heart burden is to know “the peace that passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). When we interpret our trials in the light of Scripture, we will give thanks since we”ll come to the understanding that, as God’s children, life is not happening to us — it is happening for us!
- God has not given us more than we can handle.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (I Corinthians 10:13)
- God is working in our trial for our own good.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good… (Genesis 50:20a)
- God is training us as a loving, heavenly Father.
For they (Our Fathers) verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. (Hebrews 12:10)
God never disciplines His children with a vindictive spirit: “He has not rewarded us according to our iniquities” (Psalms 103:10). Remember when bad things happen, God is not “giving us what we deserve”: what we deserve is hell. God, instead, is molding us into something beneficial for ourselves, for others, and ultimately for His glory. Even the best earthly father corrects his child after his own likes or dislikes, but God always corrects for our own benefit.
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. (Psalms 119:67)
- God is working on our virtues.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (James 1:2-4)
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (I Peter 5:10)
Job suffered the loss of all things: his children, his wealth, the confidence of his friends, and the support of his wife. Yet, he knew that God was doing a work in his life. He said,
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10)
Job’s tested and tried “golden life” has provided strength and encouragement to fellow believers now for thousands of years!
- God gives strength in the trial.
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (II Corinthians 12:9)
When Paul prayed about his “thorn in the flesh,” God didn’t change the circumstance; He changed Paul.
I can be thankful that, no matter the outcome of my situation, God’s strength and grace are available and sufficient.
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6)