A Purpose For Trials (Philippians 3:10) #trials

Trials, why do we have them?  Each of us has heard countless messages on this topic and we are always attentive to the help they bring because it seems that we almost continually live our lives in the midst of trials.  However, it seems that a common theme for all of the messages is that the trial is intended to develop or strengthen our faith.  This is true, but trials are not only intended to develop our faith.  Sometimes trials are intended to make our lives an example to the lost.  God may allow a trial so that the lost may see the grace of God evident in our lives.  Another purpose is so that we may be equipped to help others through their trials (2 Cor. 1).  However, a purpose that is most often overlooked is for knowing or understanding Jesus.

Have you ever been in a trial or are you currently in one now where you believe that you cannot take another step or you cannot go another day?  It is in this time that God wants you to learn of his dear son.  Jesus too was at a point in his life where he physically could not take another step, yet he continued to take unobtainable steps to the cross.  His trembling legs and body racked with pain screamed, "You cannot go any farther!"  Yet he did.  As you are weary, think of him and his love for us and the Father that strengthened his steps.  During this time, God wants you to learn about his son by experiencing what he experienced.  

Has your trial hurt you deeply?  Is your heart aching with no relief in sight?  Have you been to the point where your insides draw up into a knot, your bowels stab with pain or you become sick with sorrow?  Jesus has.  It began in the garden and was multiplied as he hung alone on the cross.  He could have stopped it all and been right for doing so.  As God, he could have done as he pleased, but what pleased him most was you, me and his father.  As you ache, begin to understand Jesus.  It is one of the purposes for the trial.  It seems that this is explained best in Philippians 3:10, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings...  

Many, at these points in their trials, have given up.  Because of their struggle to go further or their perceived inability to deal with the pain of the trial, they quit.  They quit on God and miss out on knowing him and understanding the true depth of his love.