10 ENCOURAGING Reasons for TrialsSample

As far back as Job, continuing through to the disciples and then to the present, the subtle lie that affliction is synonymous with personal sin permeates the belief system of religious circles.

This false belief causes many problems.  

Self-righteousness for one.
If you believe trials only come because of sin, and you are not experiencing any trials or sickness, it is easy to elevate yourself above others while you live on a mountain top, as if God’s favor was awarded to you for having a trouble-free life. (My friend, it is not. We all deserve to be consumed, yet His mercy renews every morning.)

Secondly, if you believe trials only come because of sin, and you have trials knocking down your door, it causes shame and guilt as you then strive for perfection in your walk with God, as if perfection equaled no trials, no loss, and no hardship. This is a losing battle because spiritual perfection cannot prevent the valleys of life from coming.

Perhaps the saddest consequence of this false belief that trials equal punishment, is the distance it causes between you and your Heavenly Father.  When we think that all of our trials must be our fault, we are missing so much truth from scripture.  We are missing the purpose behind why God allows trials and hardships.

In this 13-day plan, we get to see that trials have great value, and perhaps are even priceless, as there may be no greater teacher.  God graciously reveals to us at least 10 reasons why trials and afflictions are tools He uses to express His care, love and investment into our sanctification as He conforms and refines us into the image of His Son.