Pea of Sweetness

How Do You View Trials?

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Our family has had its fair share of trials. In fact, I shared a little bit of our recent trials and why I owe an explanation of why I haven’t been as responsive as usual. I also shared some inspiration that I originally felt may have been misunderstood. The truth is I know no matter the trials, I know God will get us through it. I know redemption wins because He has brought me through so much.
How do You View Trials
It doesn’t mean walking through the fire is easy. It’s not over for us yet, either. We’re having a bit of a rough time getting settled. Because of our kids’ special needs, not being on a specific schedule (or having room to be active, which we don’t quite have yet), it can be tricky to adjust. It was imperative we get back on our homeschooling schedule ASAP, and I’ll be sharing some tips for staying on track during a move because this hasn’t been our first move since we started homeschooling! Phew!
How do you view trials? I think even when we have that blessed hope we can sometimes get caught up in our trials. We’re human. I admit even I sometimes say “Why is this happening?” OK, I’ll even admit “Why am I being punished like this?” even crossed my mind a time or two. Of course, I know it’s NOT punishment, but it can feel that way sometimes, right?

Trials Are Lessons

Some people may view trials as lessons. What can I learn from it? I think this is a fantastic way to view trials because we can all learn from trials. All the trials we have ever faced shape us into who we are today. Some of us face bigger trials than others, but that doesn’t mean we can only learn from the big trials. We can learn from all trials.

Trials Have a Purpose

Another way to view trials is to acknowledge that they have a purpose. This may be harder to understand because if trials have a purpose, we should know what that purpose is, right? Sometimes we may understand the purpose in the midst of the trial or shortly after. We expect that “ah ha!” moment, and sometimes it doesn’t come – or we get it much later in life. Sometimes, though, we may not know the purpose. Do you have a list of things you would like to ask God? I would say these definitely get added to the list for me!

Trials Refine Us

When I chose my word for 2014, Refine really stuck out for me. It is in these moments when we are on our knees crying out to God that He can really work in our lives to refine us for His purpose. Life is busy. It’s easy to get caught up in “life.” Sometimes trials are the only time we’re really tuning in to God. It’s in those moments that we acknowledge how much we need Him!
No matter how you view trials, one thing is certain, you will get through it. Talk to God. Be honest with Him. He knows your heart. Even in the moments when you feel like nobody care, He does. He always cares. He treasures you. He loves you. God is sovereign. He is in control, and He will see you through it.
 

Comments

  1. Gina Ferrell says

    I was so happy to read this post this morning. You are so right. I always turned to GOD for everything. He is the one who will get you through anything in life. I go to church every Sunday with the kids because I do want them to know about GOD and that he is there for you know matter what. GOD is number 1 in my life, then my husband and kids. Have a blessed day!!! 🙂

  2. Michele Ash says

    WOW! I know you’ve sure had your trials and we’ve been through an awful lot of trials as well! I do have to say that I catch myself asking God why is he doing this to us. I know in my head that there is a reason, however, sometimes it’s a really hard pill to swallow! Like right now our trial is with money and my husband’s health! I am so Thankful to God that he did not have cancer! I keep thinking that over and over again and tell myself this is a good thing and once he gets back to his part-time job, things will get better! However, being stuck in a so called “rut” is difficult! I pray to God every single night for the things we need the strength to get through and for people who need a prayer! I also thank him for what he has done for us and what we do have! As you say, we’ll all look back one day and go…”oh that’s why”. It may not be for a long long time, however, that day will come! Thanks for the terrific read! I can relate to you with some things and other’s I just couldn’t imagine! Thanks again, Michele 🙂
    Michele Ash recently posted…Best Sweetest Day Giveaway (ends 10/18)My Profile

    • Emilee says

      I have been praying for your family Michele! I agree, it can be hard to accept that what seems like something so hard can actually mean something, but He’s with us every step of the way!
      Emilee recently posted…How Do You View Trials?My Profile

  3. Marcia Lee says

    I just shared a letter of a pastor who has been imprisoned for his faith on my Facebook page. It is on Samaritan’s Purse website and is titled: “Pastor Saeed’s Letter to His Daughter Rebekka” He tells his daughter: “I know that you question why you have prayed so many times for my return and yet I am not home yet. Now there is a big WHY. In your mind you are asking: WHY Jesus isn’t answering your prayers and the prayers of all of the people around the world praying for my release and for me to be home with you and our family. The answer to the WHY is WHO. WHO is in control? The LORD JESUS CHRIST is in control.”
    The letter is so sad and yet so encouraging. When we teach the Scriptures to our kids, we can remind them that God always answers prayer, but it may not be the answer we want right then. But our God is in control. There is nothing impossible for Him. He wants the best for us, but in His timing and according to His will. And as you explained, our trials help us to grow. His grace is sufficient for us and as we see Him over and over again giving us His grace to do what we didn’t think we could do or endure, we learn to trust Him more. When those whys come to mind we can say to ourselves with confidence, the answer to the WHY is WHO!

  4. May Lynn Mahler says

    Thanks for sharing. The Lord said He would never leave us or forsake us! Trials are opportunities for us to really see God work in us and through us when we trust in Him.

  5. Penny Doty says

    Trials as we no build perseverance, although it is difficult to see it at the time they help prepare us for what is ahead in our journey home, our family have been through many and it would seem I may be at my last, as I am a 51 year old mom wife, aunt, sister and grandma to three beautiful grand children, and I am dying, death does not scare me because I know I am going home to my father, but leaving my family tears me up so bad. I cant do much any more because breathing is very hard for me, but I want to make my family all a special quilt so any time they need a hug from me they can wrap them selves in my love for them,. I pray for those who have bigger problems or not but sometimes those little things can feel like your falling apart, so I pray now because I cant help any other way. I think it is so important to always remember there is always someone worse off then me and I only have to think of what Jesus went through for me. and that alone makes my stomach turn . so keep looking up child and hang on to Jesus tight and he will see you through everything. GOD bless.

    • Emilee says

      Thank-you so much for sharing your story Penny. I can’t imagine the feelings you must go through on a daily basis. I am praying for you and your family as you navigate this difficult road. Through it all He is there, and I pray he blesses you with peace and comfort. I wish I could do more as well, but I know prayer is a powerful tool, and I will continue to pray.
      Emilee recently posted…NOAH Picture Book Giveaway (ends 12/3)My Profile

  6. Dee Lafrenz says

    God is in control. I prayed several times for a couch, I hated mine, and I constantly had to adjust the cushions. Every time I found one I liked for one reason or another I couldn’t get it. I kept the why me, then one day, I said ok God, it’s not meant to be, I will be content with what I have. It took a couple of years, but one day someone was giving it away an almost new couch, chair, and ottoman, they did not like the color with kids, or the style. It was given to us. I LOVE it. It is so comfortable, and so elegant. I did what God wanted, to stop complaining, stop coveting, and give it up to him. He wants to bless us, he wants to lead and guide us. Sometimes we think we know what we want, but God wants more for us.

  7. Tami F. says

    I am so glad to see you sharing your faith, despite your trials. I am sure that is a big part of why you
    have a successful blog. Bless you!

  8. Penny says

    Try this one on for size, January of last year my mother quit talking to me because she thought I said something about her and instead of asking me she went with out talking to me. it this time I fond out I am dying, she choice not to talk to me still even though I was put on oxygen and a bunch of meds to help me live longer, I ended up in the hospital, and that is when she decided to come, a lot of people in church were appalled with her behavior, so I think that is the only reason she came, I was angry but I forgave her and told her mothers talk to there children, so if you think I said something you need to come to mean well now she has quit talking to me again, because she cant read and my oldest sister is got a drug problem and wants mom to herself because mom gives her money, well I posted about how I would never treat my mother better then my mother in-law or one grandchild different from the other. well my sister told her it was about her, and now my mother is not talking to me any more. so this is how I feel, I feel I forgive her, but I am so done playing games with her she is not a kid, I am dying and my time is short ..I don’t understand what I am suppose to learn from this other then more heart ache, this mother of mine has already told me she wish she never had me.

    • Dee Lafrenz says

      I don’t know if this will help, but I feel lead to say it. My mother told me, just after my dad passed away, how I was the biggest mistake in her life. She hated the fact I was her child, and that she wished I never was. Two things, I had to forgive her, because if I did not it would eat me alive, so I did, I got her new phone number and left a message that I loved her, I forgave her, and I hoped she could forgive me for what ever I might have done to make her feel that way. I never heard back from her, I moved to the East Coast to meet my hubby. She died. I did not know she passed until my daughter called and said mom, I went to Grandma’s funeral today. — You see there are several things, I was adopted, I was not her biological child, I did not have the money to give her the things she wanted and thought it was my job to give her things. I couldn’t, I had no money. I would go see her all the time. I traveled across country three times. I paid for the trip. Out of anger she would not let my dad tell me anything about my biological parents. For health reasons especially, I would love to know, but I never will. The family all says I was their biological child, but my dad said twice I was not, that I was adopted. So my kids will never know our heritage, health issues. But you know, it happened, it made me stronger, and it brought me closer to God, drawing on his strength to totally forgive, and know he loves me, my dad loved me. I asked God to forgive me for my part in anything that I did or did not do. You are not responsible for what your mom does, or how she reacts, you are responsible for your own actions, thoughts, and your life. Just draw on Jesus’ strength, and forgive her, and let it go. Do not let this eat at you. Don’t let this anger your children either. They should also be praying for her. Do not rent her space in your head, just let God deal with those issues. I will be praying for you and your family.
      God bless!