Fruit of the Spirit

For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth...Eph 5:9

Fall 2002                                                            Volume 3, Issue 4

The Fossil Record

The Fossil Record      Studies in Christian
     Evidences

         By Carl Garner

TRIALS AND TROUBLES: WHY?

The answer to Who, What, Where, How or When is often easy to give. But when the question "Why?" arises, we just as often cannot answer. Why does a certain person face a particular crisis? Why did a well-loved woman die in her early years? Why did disease take a loved one? We know by a study of the Bible that struggles are a part of this life. We know that God has promised to prove us, try us, and test our faith, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 4:12-16. But Why?. Why must this be? What possible benefit can we gain?

1. Our Sojourn on Earth is Just
A Temporary One.

Our citizenship is not here, but in heaven, Philippians 3:20. We are ultimately going to our “long home,” Ecclesiastes 12:5. The problems we face here on earth, though serious at the time, are still only temporary, only momentary. If we can understand this principle, we can survive anything. God never promised us a life free from struggle and trial; to the contrary, Jesus told His apostles that they would face the most severe persecution. But they faced it for they knew it was “but for a moment,” 2 Corinthians 4:17.

2. Nothing Worthwhile is Gained
Without Struggle or Effort.

Moses spent 40 years as a shepherd so he would be prepared to lead Israel through the wilderness. Jesus suffered the bitterest agony in order to give “himself a ransom for all,” 1 Timothy 2:6. We understand this principle in athletics, education, politics, science and business. We recall axiomatic cliches like “No pain; No gain” because we see them as true. In all our experiences, we see achievement only after hard work, struggle, mistakes and starting over. Such is also true in a Christian's life.

3. God's Strength Is Shown In
Our Weakness, Struggles.

No Christian was more prominent than Paul by means of his life and his persecution. How he survived amazes many of us. When plagued by a

“thorn in the flesh,” Paul was told that it would not be removed, and that he must endure it. “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness,” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Trials are not for our destruction, but for our good, our strengthening.

4. We Are Made Stronger By
Overcoming Obstacles and Trials.

Similar to number three, this is a principle understood by athletes. They constantly keep their bodies in top condition by placing themselves under stress, enduring pain, by overcoming obstacles and eventually fine-tuning their bodies to be strong. Peter faced many obstacles. So did John Mark, Luke, Timothy and Jesus. Every time we are faced with a trial and overcome it, we become a little more prepared for our next trial.

5. We Discover Our Weaknesses.

It is not a bad thing to find out that we have weaknesses. We all have them but may not be aware of them. When we fail in our struggles against some temptation we learn what is capable of overpowering us. We will not likely discover our weaknesses until we face failure. Barnabas was once “carried away” with hypocrisy, (Galatians 2:13), but that reputation did not remain with him. He overcame it; but not before he failed at least one encounter with it. Peter failed dismally by denying Jesus (Luke 22), but he rallied and became a powerful force for the truth of the gospel. Failure can either destroy us or strengthen us. It will not hurt you to discover that you have weaknesses. You will never overcome your weaknesses until you can admit they exist.

6. We Discover Our Strengths.

If we are never tested we can never know where our real strength lies. A football player is usually made better by playing against the best of opponents. Such tests show him where his strengths are, and this may be the greatest benefit from our trials; discovering that we have talent and strength heretofore unknown.

(continued on page 10)


Inside...
Page 1 - Pastors | Page 2 - Where In The Bible Will I Find... |
Page 3 - Prison Report | Page 4 - Old Testament Studies | Page 5 - The Christian Home |
Page 6 - Where Did The Bible Come From? | Page 7 - Christian Evidences | Page 8 - One Coat Is Not Enough |
Page 9 - The Christian Home | Page 10 - Continuations | Page 11 - The Children's Page |
Page 12 - Announcements |

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