Devotions with Pastor Dick

Dear Church Family:​
"Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations?"
 
Romans 8:29 --- “As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son”

This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal.

It is part of the process of sanctification, being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory.

The way trials accomplish this is explained in --- 1 Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
 
The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever.

Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to --- "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” Romans 5:3-5.
Jesus Christ set the perfect example.

"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).  

These verses reveal aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ’s trials and tribulations and ours. Persevering proves our faith. --- "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13 
Pastor Dick