Hand picked

After class on Sunday morning (thanks, Les) I began thinking about Job. When Satan was looking for someone to go after God pointed out Job to him. "Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason." Job 2:3

When I think about trials in my own life, I can't help but hope that God pointed me out to Satan. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Cor. 10:13 God has said that He will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I can bear. If God picked me to be tempted by Satan shouldn't I be thankful for every trial I have to endure knowing that God has total faith that I can get through it if I am leaning on Him. He has my back in every situation I will ever be in.

So if that is the case, what should I be gaining from those trials. I believe first that God uses those trials I must go through, because I will soon encounter someone who needs me to help them when they are going through the same type trials. I also believe He is using it so that my faith in Him will continue to grow. If life was easy and I had no problems, then I would have no need to lean on Him. When I look back at my past trials, as tough as some were, I can honestly say I am more than grateful for them. I do feel that my relationship with God was strengthened through each situation and I hope I am a better person because of them.

There is no part of me that believes I have it all figured out, but I do find comfort in knowing that there is a God who loves me unconditionally and therefore He would only allow me to suffer because there is something I am to gain from it.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

I hope that if anyone reads this, they will be able to think about how special and amazing it is that God is allowing you to go through your trials because He knows, with Him, you will come out ahead in the end.