Trials and tribulations, in my experience, come at some really unexpected times. When we seem to finally have settled reasonably well in the season we find ourselves in and everything seems more or less in control, that’s perhaps when. Something completely unforeseen happens and our emotions tend to spiral out of control. Our soul seems to want to question,
“How can this be?”
Our need for justice seems to be greater at such times, than the desire to be gracious and patient. We want to sort out the issue at hand and if we aren’t careful, we will inevitably find ourselves indulging in what the Bible calls, ‘works of the flesh.’ Instead of taking a moment to still ourselves deep within, we seem to want only one thing,
Resolution.
But what God is teaching me is so very different. Jesus did not promise us a ‘perfect life.’ He promised us ‘perfect peace’ in the midst of our lives. He let us in on this eternal truth,
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Our Father informs us in the Word that we are called to be ‘in’ the world, but not ‘of’ it. He tells us to let our lives so shine before men that they may see our good deeds and give glory to God. He commissions us as salt and light in a lost and broken world. He tells us,
“You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14)
Clearly, the implication here is that in a world that is sin bent and fallen, we will experience trials and tribulations in some shape, way or form, from time to time. Though our instant reactions can be likened to that of the Israelites where all they did was grumble, murmur and complain; I’m so glad that by the power of the Holy Spirit we now have access to the royal privilege of being made in the likeness of Christ.
So how did Jesus handle pressure and problems?
When He was betrayed by Judas, He endured. When He was abandoned by His disciples, He endured. When He was falsely accused by the religious leaders of the time, He endured. When He was brought before Pilate, He endured. When the crowds shouted, “Crucify Him,” He endured. When He was unjustly beaten, mocked and ridiculed; He endured. When He was flogged beyond recognition, He endured.
I have been so astonished at the revelation that Jesus was so secure in His Identity as the Son of God, that He refused to take matters into His own hands. The Word of God says,
“when he was insulted, he did not insult in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23, CSB)
He believed God to vindicate Him.
Jesus knew who He was and was deeply committed to seeing the Father’s purpose be fulfilled in and through His life. For the joy of seeing you and me as His Beloved, He endured the agony of the Cross and despised its shame. When mistreated in ways beyond articulation, He remained still. Instead of seeking vengeance, He trusted in the vindication of God.
“As is He, so are we in this world.” (1 John, 4:17)
Friends, I’m learning with each passing day the vital importance of one eternal truth,
“I am not an orphan. I am a child of God.”
Though Jesus was persecuted, crucified and buried in a tomb; He rose again. Death could not hold Him for He is risen and reigns forever. Consequently, I live with the awareness that my Father is alive and well. He is well able to vindicate me every single place where the enemy may threaten to come in to steal, kill or destroy. All He has to do is say the Word and it is done.
That’s my Father.
So what’s my response?
I resist the temptation to make things right in my own strength because I belong to the One whose name is Righteous. I don’t deny my hurt, pain or perhaps even the feeling of being betrayed. Instead, I acknowledge them in the Presence of the most Perfect One. I don’t bury what needs to be healed and made whole in the warmth of His love and in the light of His truth. I don’t trust my emotions to guide me. Instead, I trust in the Holy Spirit. I don’t let the enemy defile my heart with the toxic waste of unforgiveness and bitterness. I draw strength from the One who IS my Strength and graciously let go.
I open my spirit to learn whatever it is that the Lord is trying to teach me and cultivate in my soul.
Trust, forgiveness, peace, patience, surrender.
For I know that even though He doesn’t cause my pain, He wants to heal it and use it for His glory.
Allow me to repeat myself.
Somewhere I’m just so glad that we have access to the royal privilege of being transformed into His likeness.
So glad.
SoulandSubstance27 
Love your writing! It truly comes from the heart. I love the one with the verse about seeking God and finding Him. It’s not a game of hiding and seeking. So true! We must look forward toward God and find Him ourselves! He’s always here – that’s the funny part. We often ask, Where are You? But He is there! I’ve been a little overwhelmed with my new blog https://sharinglifeandlove.com/ because it is so much work, so I pray all the time to ask God to help me get through another day of whatever He has in store for me. Thanks for sharing from your heart! All the Love in the World, Michele
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