The Trials of Life
(Originally posted on July 11, 2012)
The Trials of Life
By Amber Leggette-Aldrich
“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10)
“…May your character not be a writing upon the sand, but an inscription upon the rock! May your faith be no “baseless fabric of a vision,” but may it be builded of material able to endure that awful fire which shall consume the wood, hay, and stubble of the hypocrite… May your whole life be so settled and established, that all the blasts of hell, and all the storms of earth shall never be able to remove you. But notice how this blessing of being “stablished in the faith” is gained. The apostle’s words point us to suffering as the means employed–”After that ye have suffered awhile.” It is of no use to hope that we shall be well rooted if no rough winds pass over us. Those old gnarlings on the root of the oak tree, and those strange twistings of the branches, all tell of the many storms that have swept over it, and they are also indicators of the depth into which the roots have forced their way. So the Christian is made strong, and firmly rooted by all the trials and storms of life. Shrink not then from the tempestuous winds of trial, but take comfort, believing that by their rough discipline God is fulfilling this benediction to you.” (Spurgeon’s Devotionals)
Suffering. Not so pleasant a thought. Certainly it is not something that anyone would desire. Yet it is through the suffering that we, as Christians, are made strong. Think about a chunk of coal. After many years of tremendous pressure, it becomes a beautiful diamond. It is from the pressure put on us during our times of trials and suffering that we are being perfected for God’s Kingdom. It is through our faith and trust in God that we have the strength to go through the storms, knowing that there is victory on the other side.
In my book, “Faith, Hope & Miracles”, I shared some of the toughest trials a person could go through. But my faith gave me the strength to go through it all. I endured the suffering because God gave me hope in the knowledge of His eternal love. There were times when I said, “In spite of the storm, I am strong”. But now I know that it is because of the storm that I am stronger.
After the storm comes the rainbow. God gave me the privilege of witnessing and sharing in a precious miracle. It has been a privilege and joy for me to see the impact in people’s heart in sharing that miracle. What a blessing it is for me to share God’s love and goodness, not only when life is good, but even more during the trials!
“Faith, Hope & Miracles – the true story of a journey from tragedy through blessings” is available on Amazon in Kindle version and paperback copy.
Baby Sister
Kid: “Mommy, what’s in your tummy”?
Mom: “Your baby sister”.
Kid: “You love her”?
Mom: “Yes, very much”.
Kid: “Then why did you eat her”?
This post by Martha Shaw speaks to my inner heart, reminding me that God wants to heal us inside and out. But we must be humble enough to let Him. Great post Martha!
When I was a little girl, I liked to play in my backyard and since I had a play house and a sandbox, the neighborhood kids liked to play in my yard also. It was a nice yard, but small and with a host of small kids running and playing, there were always skinned knees. I can remember Mom putting a bandage on it and for a time it seemed great. Afterall, it was ugly and having covered it with a bandage, I didn’t have to look at it. The bandage also kept me from “making it worse” and so it didn’t hurt so much anymore. Eventually Mom would, some time later, insist on peeling off the bandage so it could get a breath of air and fully heal. I didn’t like that. I preferred to avoid that part. I didn’t want to deal with it. Removing the bandage hurt…
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Psalms 31:3
“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.” (Psalms 31:3)
We pray that this week you would experience the fruit of surrendering completely to the Spirit’s leading. Just as the Spirit told Philip to go and stand next to the Ethiopian’s chariot, we pray that you would be willing to be wherever the Spirit leads you. His burden is easy and his yoke is light, and we pray that you would experience the peace of accepting that yoke and walking with the Spirit this week. He is our rock & fortress, our strength & security. Let Him be your guide. In Jesus name, amen.
A Minister’s Prayer
Minister’s prayer: “May the members of my congregation be as free with their money as they are with their advice, and may their minds be open as their mouths”.
Faith, Hope & Miracles Ebook
Trials and Triumphs
Amber Lea
Faith, Hope & Miracles 