Hope Through Trials

[Donn Jibben]

HOPE THROUGH TRIALS

DEVOTIONAL

03-18-2014

Most of us as ranchers and farmers have all gone through them – trials of many kinds.  If you haven’t, get ready cause one or more maybe just around the corner.  Like me, I am sure you probably have seen your share of trials.  As I look back in the rear view mirror I can see them plainly.  Droughts, floods, blizzards, sub-zero temperatures, early frost, low markets, pneumonia, scours / e-coli virus, death loss, high interest rates and personal health issues to just name a few on a list that is even much longer than what I just mentioned.

As a rancher - farmer it didn’t take me long to figure out that I needed to have faith and trust in God almighty to see me through my trials.  God’s Word addresses the issues of “TRIALS” and the divine reasons God has for us to go through them.  Jesus himself stated these words, “in this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world,” (John16:33). 

As well, Peter stated these words, “Dear beloved do not be surprised by the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange was happening to you”        (1 Peter 4:12.)

How is it then that we can have “HOPE” as we face “TRIALS” of various kinds? I believe that God has divine purposes and reasons for the trials that He allows us to go through. Remember that life is test and that God desires for you to past the test!

First, there are some practical truths about “TRIALS” taken from James 1:2-4 which reads as follows, “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

A). Trials are common for believers, B). Trials come in various categories: car accidents, illnesses, tornados, loss of a job, a divorce, loss of an infant and those I mentioned above as well, C). Trials test ones faith, D). Trials bring us on to maturity with a “perfect result.”

Second, there are practical responses to “TRIALS.”   We all know how difficult some trials can be and how we have failed to respond in the manner that God desires for us to respond. Here are three practical responses that God is looking from us.

A). Don’t be so surprised by the “trials” that come your way, B). Keep on rejoicing, keep the joy in your heart, (I am reminded of Paul –Philippians-rejoice always), C). Trials have a much deeper end to them, D) Every trial has an expiration date- no storm last forever!

Third, there is practical comfort in “TRIALS.”  Paul states this very clearly in 2 Corinthians 2:3-11, (Please read).  Verses 3-4 reads as follows: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

A). God comforts us in our troubles with His compassion, B). He does so, so we can comfort others who are going through the troubles we ourselves went through, C) Troubles happened so we would not relay on ourselves but on God Himself to see us through, (vs. 9).

Last, no trial of any kind can ever separate us from God’s love!

“…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loves us. I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height or depth, nor anything else can ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Romans 8:37-39).

No matter what trial you may be faced with today, remember these practical truths and never forget that God deeply loves you and that nothing can ever separate you from His love!  NOTHNG!

In Christ’s love

Donn Jibben

Hope For The Rancher