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Giving my life to God was the best decision that I have ever made in my life, and I never have one day regretted it. Now that I got that out of the way let me confess.
Christianity was nothing like I expected. I expected that once I gave my life to God, the world around me would begin to fall together in perfection and harmony. It never dawned on me, I would encounter real-life challenges.
In my naivety, I thought the challenge of getting through hard times would be non-existent; because Jesus was my superhero that would make me feel like I was walking on sunshine 24/7.
These unrealistic expectations caused the wind to be knocked out of me when trials and hardships finally showed up at my doorstep.
Going through my first tough season after I became a Christian was traumatic. Devastation and shock filled my heart as I tried to fathom how God would allow hardship to happen to me.
I thought I deserved better because I prayed, fasted, and helped others. I’m “good” so why were bad things happening to me.
I equated trials and hard times as a consequence of being bad, but this narrative was not true.
It was during this season that I learned the truth about trials, hardships, and getting through hard times.
Every Believer Will Experience Trials
Every so often, I would have a conversation with someone hesitating to give their life to Christ. The big question would usually be, “What is stopping you from taking the final step?”
Repeatedly the answer would be, “It is too hard to be a Christian.” My next thought would usually be life is hard period, Christian or not.
Being a Christian does not exempt you and me from life’s hardships. Trials and hardships are a part of the fallen world that we live in.
As a matter of fact, every believer will experience it. Jesus made this clear when he told us to take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23).
The beauty in facing hard times as a believer is that we know how the story ends. God has already guaranteed that while we might lose some battles, in the end, we will win the war.
In between time, we can rest in the truth that all things work together for our good, and God will never forsake us.
In a nutshell, as we follow God, we do not have to carry the worry of getting through hard times, because our trials can not defeat us.
Trials Benefit You
I know that this sounds like a total oxymoron, but hear me out. Although trials can feel devastating, trials refine the faith of believers.
I remember a period in my life when I got comfortable. Life was a routine. Get up, go to work, pay bills, rinse, and repeat. As I did this over and over again, I began to feel stuck. As a matter of fact, I ran straight into a quarter-life crisis.
This feeling of being stuck came from the fact that I was not being challenged in any area.
This same principle applies to our spiritual life. When we are not challenged, it is easy to become comfortable. The problem is that growth does not happen in comfort.
Growth happens in discomfort because it is in discomfort that you fight to find comfort again.
James tells us that we should rejoice when trials or hard times come.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:2-4
Ultimately, hard times produce the fruit of perseverance.
While God is certainly not the author of your trials, know that He will use this to get you to the place that you are destined to be.
Your trial is not in vain. Actually, it is the doorway to your next level. Walkthrough it rejoicing.
Trials Give You the Opportunity to Gain Eternal Rewards
My favorite part about trials is that it is an opportunity for me to be rewarded by God Himself, not just now, but into eternity.
Personally, my mind continually stays on eternity. I have fully accepted the fact that I am not on earth to stay, and one day I will get to meet and live with Jesus forever.
Because of this, I want to make the best decisions on earth that will benefit me both here and in eternity. Enduring trials offer us an opportunity to build towards our eternity.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
-James 1:12
I’m not here to tell you that trials are easy. As your sister, I know the key to getting through hard times is viewing it from a different perspective.
Instead of seeing hard times as something that will crush you, see them as an opportunity to be propelled. Endure this season like a good soldier. After all, God is on your side.
If you are not a believer but want to experience salvation, send an email or message to me. I would love to lead you to give your life to Jesus Christ.
Until Next Time.
Be Strong, Be Courageous, Serve God Wholeheartedly.
Gilberta Thompson
