What is the purpose of trials and sufferings in this world?
We should not seek to rush God in bringing us to heaven simply because of the troubles of this imperfect world. The trials and sufferings of this life have a good purpose, one of which is to conform us to the image of Christ. Every trial is an opportunity for us to become more like Jesus. The more we become like Him, the more we will experience His love, joy, and peace. As the song goes, “With Christ in my vessel, I can smile at the storm.”
Likewise, as these trials form the character of Christ in us, we become powerful testimonies or trophies of His grace. Our changed lives become a vehicle for people to look into the merits of our Christian faith. Hopefully, this will cause them to make Jesus their personal Lord and Savior.
Last of all, our trials and sufferings are grand opportunities to see the person and power of Christ up close. A greater revelation awaits those who are willing to wait upon the Lord, even as they have to go through the hurdles of life. We will be able to see Christ in a way that we will not see Him when we are in our cloud-nine experiences. Although comfort and convenience are good, they could lull us into spiritual complacency and stagnancy. Trials have a way of pushing us toward the throne of God’s grace and it is there that we see a God we never saw in our ease. In the end, we see a God who is more than enough, so that we will not regret having to go through adversity. As I reflect on the rough roads that I have had to endure, I can honestly say I would not have it any other way, not because I love pain, but because I love the God that I have known in the midst of my pain.
Let us also remind ourselves that trials are not forever. If they would not end in this life, they will definitely end in the next, that is, if Jesus is the Lord and Savior of your life. If you cannot claim a genuine relationship with Christ, it is about time that you do so, because only then will the trials and the sufferings of this life be of great blessing to you. Above all, when it is time for our curtain call, we will enter a life of perfection, beyond what we have ever imagined or thought of, even as we come face to face with a God who is more than enough!
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This is an excerpt from More Than Enough by Mel Caparros, now available at OMF Lit Bookshops, shop.omflit.com, Lazada, and Shopee.
Do you want to know how to conquer trials and sufferings in Christ? In More than Enough, Pastor Mel Caparros gives us the believer’s prescription for overcoming trials, using passages from the Book of James and his own life experiences. He talks about conquest through our God who is more than enough to meet our needs, so that we may emerge victorious in whatever sufferings we face.
This book explores the theme of conquest—our redemptive victory over trials and suffering.
More Than Enough by Mel Caparros
SRP: P350
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