Written by Christina Calvache
As I was listening to the Christian Radio the other day, the question was raised “why did God take what one man and woman did (Adam and Eve) and make everyone else suffer the consequences?” It seems as if many people wonder this as they are seeking to know the Lord. I don’t fully understand the answer to this but it has to do with sin and death entering the world, and everyone being born into sin. I do know that because of this we all suffer. Jesus said it himself, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:13). My co-worker Jackie and I have gone back and forth questioning “But why?” when trying to understand various trials and tribulations, and each time she exclaims, “We live in a fallen world Chrissy” which is her explanation for every kind of suffering.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1Peter 4:12)
The first few months following the tragic death of my brother-in-law seemed surreal. We couldn’t seem to grasp the reality of what we were experiencing while trying to help my widowed sister and her three young children. As a family of faith, no one could understand how God could allow this to happen. I remember feeling as though something strange were happening to me. Like many of you may feel when something devastating happens in your life, I have been despondent, depressed, confused and angry. Something strange was indeed happening to me. My faith was being put to the test.
As a child of God we all go through trials of faith. As a matter of fact, on the day Michael died, the title of my devotional for the day was “Trial of Faith”. I wish I had taken the time to read it and meditate on it that morning. According to my daily devotional, My Utmost For His Highest, faith must be tested and tried, in hope that we would “Remain true to God’s character whatever He may do.” Furthermore, stating the greatest expression of faith being “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). Had I read it that morning, I may have trusted in Him. I couldn’t accept this from Him. Many Christians face this kind of trial. Would you be able to trust God and remain faithful to Him, even in death?
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:
Having the Word of God hidden in your heart is so important when going through trials and tribulations, especially when faith is tested. During this unbearable and trying time, I felt as if the enemy had a whirlwind of lies spinning around me making it difficult to trust God. But when my little sister removed her hands from her saturated face and looked up at me and said, “God doesn’t love me, how can I believe God loves me?” The truth hidden in my heart echoed in my mind and the Truth hidden in my heart began to whirlwind around me for many days to follow.
I have loved you with an everlasting love, my plans are to give you hope and a future, the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, my will is that none should perish, I am a mighty warrior who saves, cast all your anxiety on me because I care for you, nothing can separate my love for you, I give you a rich and abundant life, I am the provider of all your needs, I work all things together for your good. This life is like a blink of an eye, a vapor in the wind, a stepping stone, I give you everlasting life. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace, My ways are not your ways and my thoughts are not your thoughts, I would never leave you or forsake you, In the world you will have tribulation, but I have overcome the world. Be still and know that I am God.
As the storm calms, I have inner peace because of the Word hidden in my heart. It helps me trust in the Lord, even in death.
Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. (John 16:20)
Tonie Roberts
