Let’s face it: some things happen where there is no obvious silver lining. Sometimes, things just plain suck. Whether it is a one time event or a series of decisions or events that lead to it, life will have trials. We do and will continue to face adversity.
And, in the wake of adversity, we will – at times – experience loss, trauma, fear, disappointment, discouragement and failure. We’re going to feel like the world is against us. And there is going to be temptation to give in. To give up.
On the playground, that’s called “taking my ball and going home.” In adulting, that’s called desperation.
It’s desperation because; one, we may not have a ball to take home, and two, home may not be an attractive option at that point in time. In other words, we’re without hope.
The good news, though, is that we DO have hope (a LIVING HOPE, in fact). And in our trials, we find meaning, we are refined, and – oh yes – God is glorified.
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. – 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
A Silver Lining of Trials: They Are Not Meaningless
Our trials are known to God. In fact, they are planned and allowed by him. And it’s always for a good reason – whether we know that reason now, later or never. Trials are a way of testing the authenticity of our faith and they make our faith honorable in the sight of God.
God’s purpose in everything is growing us to be more like Jesus (Romans 8:29). We should have that same goal for ourselves. Trials provoke us to stop, reflect, consider and move forward with next context.
God – in his infinite grace and wisdom, sends trials into our lives for the express purpose of bringing character transformation. In other words, through trials, he is helping us pursue a refining life, on purpose.
A Silver Lining of Trials: They Refine and Purify Us
God uses trials as a means of purifying us. As a way of ridding our sinful tendencies, and molding us. Through trials, God is shaping us. Adversity, then, is like the fire used in refining gold of its impurities.
When gold is melted, the fire forces the impurities to float to the top. At that time, the impurities can be removed. Similarly, trials (the fire) push forth the impurities from our life. When swept from us, we become more valuable and closer to the image of Christ.
It requires our faith in God. And it takes our trusting of God and his promises. You see, the impurities (I like to call it the “leaven of the world”) keep us from the fullest experience of knowing and loving God in all his goodness and greatness. As they are progressively removed (our unleavening), our faith is fortified, becoming more pure and genuine.
Are you facing trials or experiencing adversity? Have you found a silver lining or are you feeling desperate and hopeless. Take courage, beloved. For it is in our trials that we find meaning, we are refined, and – oh yes – God is glorified.
A Silver Lining of Trials: God’s Purpose and Glory
As Rick Warren shares about life’s trials,
I really like how he then goes on to say that “everything is Father-filtered.” It’s undoubtedly true – yet I think we often lose sight of that understanding.
God is a master of bringing the silver lining out of every trial and adversity. For example, in Philippi, God could have kept Paul out of prison. Instead, Paul went to prison. While there, the jailer became a believer. Purpose fulfilled.
How about this? Joseph was sold by his brothers, thus disconnecting him from his family. Many years later, Joseph had the opportunity to get revenge. Instead, he saw God’s bigger picture: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive (Genesis 50:20 NKJV).” Purpose fulfilled.
One more? Okay. God could have kept his on son – Jesus – from dying on the cross. Was there a silver lining to the most extreme of trails? I gotta thing so. Purpose fulfilled.
What trials are you facing today?
Is there a silver lining or two? Maybe not now, but maybe later. For now, take it to God. Tell him your trials, what you are learning, and ask for the wisdom and clarity to know the refining you are to receive.