Trials Transform

 

Trials temper me which is a good thing, it's just that good things aren't necessarily comfortable.  The discomfort of trials reminds me that I can't control my own comfort and that ultimately I don't control anything ( which would be concerning except that I know the God who controls all things and I know that He is good).  Trials remind me that more than comfort I was made to seek The Comforter.  Trials remind me that although good things this side of Heaven come to an end the good of Heaven does not.  Trials temper my pursuit of the good and the comfort that can be found in this life and ignite my pursuit of the God who loves us too much to set up Eternity in this broken world.  Rather than fix this broken world God prepare for us a new and a better place.  Rather than fix our broken lives He offers us new life through His Son.  

 

Sometimes I resist being tempered.  Sometimes I'd rather He just give me a comfortable corner down here than spur me on to explore the depths of His love (found of course when your need is deep).  But the truth is, I need to be tempered; deep down I know it's a good thing.  Trials can either bring out our tempers (and demand for comfort) or they can temper us (as we seek not just the comfort, but deeper relationship with The Comforter).  God is the God of all comfort, but that doesn't mean life here will always be comfortable.  It wasn't for Abraham (when God asked Him to sacrifice his son), it wasn't for Joseph or for Paul (when they had to hang out in prison for a while).  But those of us who follow the God of all Comfort are promised ultimate and everlasting comfort at the end of our journeys.  Trials remind me to take the long range view, which is in and of itself, pretty comforting. :)

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."        

James 1 :2-3 (ESV)