REJOICING DURING TRIALS

(Message by Tanny Keng)

1. Trials

a) Trials and tribulations are words that we do not like to hear.  We all face different trials and tribulations.  They come to us in every walk of life.  Some of us will face financial trials for our entire life.  Many will face physical trials or troubles.  Maybe it is family or relationship trials. We all seem to have some “cross to bear.” 

b) Some people seem to believe that if you become a Christian, that all of your trials will go away.  Some have called this the “prosperity gospel” which means that if you believe in Jesus, everything will be great!  This type of belief is not found in Scripture.  Quite the contrary.  Jesus never told his followers that if they followed him, everything would be great or rosy.  He told people that followed Him that it will be a difficult road.  

c) Thankfully, there are many passages and verses concerning trials and tribulations (some other words used too are “trouble,” “affliction,” and “oppression”).  

2 Peter 2:9 
Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.

2. Rejoicing During Trials

James 1:2  
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.

1 Peter 1:6 
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.

Romans 12:12 
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 

The End ...