One of the things that I dearly love about this passage of scripture is that it gives me hope. It helps me to endure whatever trial I must go through because it's producing something greater than the present trouble or the trial.
Produce means to bring forward; to birth; to bear. This means that this trial that I am going through just may be the result of a prayer that I prayed or a declaration that I made about my future. About who I am in Christ Jesus. About what I am called to do or be in the Kingdom of God. It could very well be part of the birthing process; the labor that is bringing forward that thing that was purposed for be before the foundation of the earth.
The truth about trials is that they do serve a purpose. So don't feel like something must be wrong with you because trouble seems to always be at your door. Or because you always seem to be going through a trial. Instead, let's get educated about trials so that we won't fear them, let them hinder us, or let them have the control over us in a negative way. Let's learn how to use them for our good. Let trials do what trials are designed to do in the life of a kingdom person. Produce!!!
There are three things about trials that I have discovered in this text that I would like to share with you.
1) Truthfully, according to scripture, our trials are just light afflictions. Light meaning that they are trivial, weightless, insignificant and small. Basically, they are an annoyance more than anything else. So don't give it more attention than it deserves.
2) According to the writer of this text, (Apostle Paul) says that the trials won't last very long. In other words, it's seasonal. This coming from one who knows all about trials. His entire ministry was plagued with trials. (2 Corinthians 1:8-10) But with every trial, God brought him out.
3) Finally, the truth is that trials will transform you. When the season changes you will be changed as well. Something permanent will happen in you that took place in a temporary season of your life. A glory will be produced in you that will greatly outweigh the trial and greatly outlast the season.
As I close, I want to encourage you to endure the trial. Keep your eyes on the purpose regardless to how painful it may be. There is a lasting treasure awaiting you in the end.
Pastor Karen
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