…to go through it, not without pain but without stain. –C. S. Lewis
God is omniscient. He knows each trial and tribulation that we will face in our lives. But, thankfully He has graciously provided for believers to go through difficult times not without pain but without stain.
This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.
The idea that I can be in God’s perfect will and still be suffering is oddly comforting to me. I think it’s because sometimes when I face tribulation, I tend to think God has forgotten about me, or I am being punished, or maybe He’s mad at me. I think if only I could do better I wouldn’t be suffering.
But knowing that God has orchestrated all of my days including the painful ones to accomplish His plan which is ultimately for my good and His glory is a blessing. It helps me to realize there is a purpose for each trial and tribulation.
Being a believer doesn’t exempt us from suffering. We live in a fallen world, which means we will have times of trial and tribulation.
God knows and sees everything, therefore He is never caught off guard. He’s in control and He has a good plan.
God isn’t surprised by trials and the Bible says we shouldn’t be either.
Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12 NLT)
Some people have a hard time accepting pain and suffering. They question why God allows it and their hopeless response to suffering becomes a stumbling block to faith.
Sometimes we suffer tribulation because of others and sometimes it is the natural consequences of our own actions. In either case, we need help and hope when we go through tribulation.
Believers have the Bible, other Christians, prayer and the help of the Holy Spirit to go through times of tribulation.
The Holy Spirit teaches us, (John 14:26), prays for us, (Romans 8:26), guides us into all truth, and He will never leave us, (John 14:16-17).
We have hope in the promise of God to work all things for good for those who love Him and are called by Him, including our times of trial and tribulation, (Romans 8:28).
James 1:2-4 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (NLT)
We can find hope in the truth that endurance grows when faith is tested through tribulation.
Christians go through life not without pain but without stain.
Sin stains our souls. In truth, we are all born sinful and self-help, self-effort or will power cannot remedy the problem.
We need the grace of God. Thankfully, He has provided the way for our sins to be forgiven through the blood sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
In fact, the blood of Jesus is the only stain remover that can cleanse us from all sin.
Come now, let’s settle this,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. (Isaiah 1:18 NLT)
Are you going through a trial or a period of tribulation right now?
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God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain. –C. S. Lewis | CLICK TO TWEET
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