This article has looked at 16 reasons why God allows trials in our lives. I believe there are more, so you are encouraged to keep searching. The most important thing to remember is that trials come to bring out the best in us. When things look grim and all hope seems lost, take heart and remember what Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” And along with with His sovereignty and wisdom, we know because of the Cross that God is love. "If we want proof of God’s love for us, then we must look first at the Cross where God offered up His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. Calvary is the one objective, irrefutable proof of God’s love for us.”

Christians of yesteryear used to speak of events and circumstances as not being due to “second causes.” This was a quaint way of speaking of God’s sovereignty. And this is where Bridges begins. If we are to trust God, we must believe He really is in control of our lives, that He is wise in His dealings, and that He is loving. Here is a question: does simply going through a trial warrant reward in heaven? No, it ’ s how we go through the trial. James says blessed, or happy, is the man who perseveres under trial. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls (emphasis mine). Christians are not exempt from troubles. In fact, we’re promised troubles for the very fact that we follow Christ (John 15:20). Yet often, our responses to the trials in our lives reveal that we think we deserve something better.Too many Christians fail to focus on the benefits of their salvation, and therefore, have lost joy when their inheritance on earth is affected. Scripture says we should “rejoice in this” (1 Pet 1:6). We should rejoice in all the benefits of our coming salvation. This is how Paul could suffer and yet still be joyful (2 Cor 6:10); his salvation was always on his mind and he did not lose focus on it. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

This passage exhorts us to glorify God whenever we go through trials so that when people see it, they will also praise the name of God. Now there are those who struggle with this and say, “What about trials that come from Satan or my own failure?” Yes, God is in control of those trials as well. That’s why the author uses a general term for hardship. Paul says the same thing in other texts, look at 1 Corinthians 10:13: Fast forward a few weeks and I'm so overwhelmed I'm not sure how to see straight. My brother's dying in the hospital...I have no idea what I'm doing with my life...and finals are coming. With all the uncertainty, I wasn't sure how to feel. Now why would these trials be necessary for us? The fact that they are necessary means there is “intention” behind them. Let’s look at a couple of reasons why trials would be necessary.

Focus on the Future Glory

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God ’ s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time (emphasis mine). It is at this point that God, through His love for us, allows trials to come our way to keep us from sliding further into sin and subsequent destruction. Application Question: In what ways should the prospect of future reward and glory encourage us as we face trials? How can we encourage others with this when they are suffering? Focus on Your Relationship with Christ This book reminded me of so many things: God is sovereign, God loves me unconditionally, God is ALWAYS there even when I can't feel or sense him, God NEVER lies and on and on. I walked into this book,, bound but walked out of it, free. Paul says not only is he in total control, but he is specifically controlling the temperature gauge on every trial. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. He knows exactly what you need and how much you can handle. Believers can rejoice in trials because of this--they have purpose.

Trials are the afflictions, tests, temptations, tribulations, or troubles that the LORD allows our way so that we may mature and become complete in our Christian walk. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials (emphasis mine). According to this passage, our partaking of Christ’s sufferings is accompanied by a promise of consolation at the appearing of our Lord. 2. God allows trials in our lives to manifest the life of Christ in our flesh Joseph himself attests to the fact that it was God’s plan to have him sold as a slave in Egypt so that he could fulfill his purpose in life, which was to save his brethren from dying because of the famine. We read this account in Genesis 45:7-8:It is a mystery, but God brings comfort through the broken. It’s only the broken whom he can pour his precious grace through to minister to others. Jesus said, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matt 18:20). Though this was originally given in the context of church discipline, we can be sure that this is true whenever God’s people gather together for religious purposes. 1 Christ is present wherever his people gather for the purpose of worshiping, honoring, and serving the Lord. 3. Obey him. In obedience to Christ, we experience God’s love. And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.”

I turned to the Psalms for comfort and wisdom, and I invite all who are walking through difficult circumstances to do the same. The Psalms give us the tools to train our minds to rejoice in all circumstances. Have you ever faced trouble and wished you understood how to count it joy? Have you wondered how you can actually be happy to see a storm cloud hovering over your life? The Psalms prepare us to treasure Christ through suffering, and train our hearts and minds to bring God glory and find joy in all things. God at times allows us to live all the days of our lives with a certain challenge so that we may know His grace even more. When you read about Apostle Paul’s story concerning the thorn in his flesh, you discover that he pleaded with God three times for it to be taken away, to no avail. Instead, God assured him that His grace was sufficient to see him through his situation. For this reason, Paul made a decision to take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ’s sake. For he came to the conclusion that his strength was made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). 9. God allows trials in our lives to help us become mature and complete We also go through trials in our lives so that we can become partakers of God’s holiness. We read this in Hebrews 12:7–11, which says:This is a wonder. Typically, we honor those who are successful and do great things. This is common in the world. But look at Christianity—we honor and worship a man who died on a cross. This was something shameful in that culture. Who would honor a person who died in an electric chair? This scripture comforts us with the assurance that we can handle the temptations that come our way because God will always provide a way of escape. Conclusion Bottom line, for me personally, is that this book reminded me that this thing called Christianity is a relationship with a real God and it takes a continuous effort on my part as well. I must vigorously work to constantly stand in the midst of unthinkable challenges and situations and trust that God is working everything out for my good.