What is the Purpose of Trials in Our Life?
We have false expectations if we believe that good deeds are always rewarded, and evil is always punished in this life.
“Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for his people" Psalm 66:5
Job, probably the oldest book in the Bible, asks this question. Job’s friends accuse him of a hidden sin, since God seems to be punishing him with tragedies. Is this true? Are tragedies punishment from God? The Bible says, absolutely not!
Tragedy Can Bring Us to Jesus
We have false expectations if we believe that good deeds are always rewarded, and evil is always punished in this life. We live in a fallen world, corrupted by sin. Disease and disasters are a natural result (see Romans 8:20-22). Yet our problems and needs are the very things that can cause us to seek God and draw closer to Him.
Jesus was asked this question by his followers: “Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sin?” “It was not because of his sin or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him” (John 9:2-3).
God’s Power Revealed
Then Jesus healed the man and restored his sight. According to Jesus, this man had lived in darkness all his life for this one moment: so that the healing power of Jesus could be revealed, and he would see that Jesus is the “Light of the World” that leads us out of darkness. Because of this miracle in his life, he was able to say, “‘Yes, Lord, I believe!’ and he worshiped Jesus” (John 9:38). And because of his testimony, many others believed as well.
Only God Can Do the Impossible
Many people turn to God only when they are in a hopeless situation. Seeing God’s loving care and power helps build our faith. Our testimony of God’s miracles in our own life may be critical in helping someone else to believe. “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead….. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness towards us.” Ephesians 2:4-7.
God’s greatest miracle is how he gives us a new life in Christ. Each believer is a beautiful painting, illustrating God’s grace and power to save. Ephesians 2:10 says we are His Masterpiece, his greatest work. So let’s glorify our Creator and proclaim his power to the world!
Pray this week:
God will help you see His powerful and faithful presence in your circumstances.
How you respond to challenges shows what is in your heart... does your heart turn to God first? How have you responded in the past? Talk to someone about how you can respond in a godly way to trials.