Seeing Trials Through a Different Perspective

When I look around, I see many people that never appear to be touched by sorrow or trouble. They seem to live (to the human perspective) a charmed life. The sun is always shining for them. The light is always green. Their life looks flawless. Their heart seems to know no sorrow. 

Then, I think a little deeper and wonder about their soul. Are they so untouched by the troubles of this world because they are serving the prince of this world? If you think about it, most rulers do protect their own people.  

Then I read about the impact of what Jesus said about struggles and trials.  He said His people are going to have trouble, persecution, and trials and that life would not always be easy.  In fact, it says that we “will” have trials.  But He also said that through Him we would have peace… that “we” being me! 

In John Chapter 16 we see that it is a difficult time for the disciples.  Jesus is speaking some hard truths to the them. They are confused, concerned and possibly somewhat clueless. They knew something big was about to happen and they wanted Him to speak to them in something other than parables. They really did believe in Him and they desperately wanted to understand what He was saying. 

Even though the disciples were not sure about what was about to go down—and probably did not understand everything Jesus had spoken to them about—they still believed. They told Him they could see He knew all things and could answer the questions deep within men’s hearts and these things helped them believe He came from God. 

I believe Jesus could have been sighing as He said to them. “So you believe in Me now? Because He went on to tell them that soon, very soon, they would all flee away from Him, leaving Him by Himself. But yet even then He would not be alone because the Father would still be with Him. 

Mixed within the hard things He had told them, He also gave them some good news. He told them He would send a Comforter to be with them and help them. He knew He would not be with them much longer.  Finally, He told them that the reason He spoke to them of all these things was so they might have some sort of peace; because in this world they were going to run into trouble and trials. The thing He wanted them to take hold of  from all this was that they could overcome the world because He had overcome the world first. He wanted them to try and be of good cheer and not be sad.

The challenge for Christ followers within this passage could be for us to truly believe, deep within our souls, that Christ is the Messiah, the only Son of the Living God.  Everything else you believe about Jesus has to include this fact. Then make the effort to live out the faith that you proclaim.  And an even bigger challenge could be for us to not be one of those that dessert Him. 

In applying this passage to our lives we must be certain of the truths that Jesus spoke, the ones we understand and the ones we do not yet understand.  Embrace the Comforter (Holy Spirit) that Jesus sent to us and allow Him to give us the peace that can only come from Him. 

What does this mean to my faith?  Christ promises us peace through Him. I don’t think it is the kind of peace the world seeks though. I believe it is a peace of the soul. It strengthens my faith in knowing that when I am truly seeking Christ and attempting to live the way He has directed that when I win, He wins… and I am already a winner because He won it all and I belong to Him! 

Dear Lord, Thank You for providing peace within my soul, that I know the world does not understand.  Help me to always stay strong in Your power—because my power is pretty wimpy! Oh how I thank You for Your presence through trials. I am eternally thankful for the promise of a future that has absolutely no pain, suffering or loss.  I am thankful that my Lord would trust me enough to allow me to struggle so that I will depend on Him, count on His grace and lean on His strength. Thank You for allowing me to see trials through a different perspective.

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“These things I have 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.”John 16:33

 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (KJV)

“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (KJV)

“Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. “ 1 Peter 5:9 (KJV)

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;”  2 Corinthians 1:3 (KJV)

“8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. 9 Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.”  Psalm 85:8-9 (KJV)

“1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”  Romans 5:1-2 (KJV)

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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about Him.  

What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe, the only One that can give you perfect peace?  Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him?  You can know Him.  Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity.  You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.  

Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ!  PeaceWithGod.net

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