In the United States, there's a saying that goes something like this: “Two things you can count on in life: taxes and death.” It reminds us that no matter where you live, we'll all die someday. Hebrews 9:37 confirms this: "...it is appointed unto men once to die…." Death is inevitable.
But Jesus points us to another truth in life—it's painful but true. He emphasizes this in John 16:33: “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Tribulation—distress, agony, misery, anguish, pain, trials. Yet, interestingly, Jesus says, "Be of good cheer." How can we do this while in pain or misery?
I've learned that perspective is everything, and how we see things helps us endure trials differently. I'll share what I've learned through my own crucibles, including one I'm going through as I write this—which is by far my greatest trial yet. Here are some important lessons that I’ve learned:
Focus on Jesus. Jesus said, "I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This is why He wants us to be of good courage. Because He overcame, we will too! Romans 8:37 reminds us that we are "more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Jesus also promises that He'll never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). We never walk alone during our trials.
See a Bigger Picture. In Revelation 7:13-14, an elder asks John, "What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence come they?" John replies, "Sir, thou knowest." The elder explains: "These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Those who'll stand before God's throne will be those who have come through trouble and trials, clinging to Jesus. They allowed their characters to be refined. They trusted God, and He got them through it. They held onto his righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). The early disciples, along with Paul, understood the big picture, as noted in Acts 14:22: “….we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” We must remember this also!
Remember Who the Real Enemy Is. 1 Peter 5:8 warns that the "your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." No matter what you're going through, the real enemies aren’t humans, but Satan, who wants to destroy you. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our battle isn't with "flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." We must put on the whole armor of God to stand—not fight with anger, retaliation, or despair.
Character Refinement is God's Goal. The Lord wants to polish us so that we may reflect Him. Jesus wants to remove earthliness and replace it with Christlikeness. What are some of God’s characteristics? When God revealed Himself to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7, He proclaimed Himself "merciful, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity." Does that look like you? Trials refine you. 1 Peter 1:7 says that the "trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." Romans 5:3-4 adds that "we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience; and experience, hope."
This Too Shall Pass. What we're going through may seem endless, but nothing lasts forever. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." We go through tests for a season, but then it passes. There will be "a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance" (verse 4). God considers everything, and He knows what is best for us.
God is in Control. One of my favorite quotes is from Ministry of Healing: "Above the distractions of the earth He sits enthroned, all things are open to His divine survey, and from His great and calm eternity, He orders that which His providence sees best."1 God is truly in control. He knows what we need. He loves us. He oversees every detail of our lives. He can be trusted.
Call to Action
So, whatever your trial is today, take courage! You're not going through it in vain. He's making you ready to be among those with white robes who'll stand around God's throne in heaven one day soon. It will be worth it all!!
All scripture unless noted otherwise is taken from the King James Version.
Scripture, as noted above, taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
- Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing (Mountain View, California: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1905), 417.
