When bad things happen to you or around you, how do you react? I wish I could say I didn’t do this, but often my first reaction is “why me?”. I have found myself actually saying out loud “if God really loved me I don’t think he would let this happen to me”. What an awful attitude! In my attempt to become a better Christian and with the help of our dear followers, I have come up with some answers to my questions and two things to do when trials seem overwhelming.
Why Me
As far as I understand, there isn’t a rhyme or reason to what trials are given to what person. This can be extremely frustrating, especially when you’re in the midst of a trial that you don’t think anybody around you has ever experienced before. But here’s the thing: everybody has trials. Though in your moments of deepest despair it may seem that you are the only person in the world who has ever experienced hard times, remember this -- suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5).
TIP #1 I am currently in the midst of a number of trials due to circumstances completely out of my control. It can sometimes be easier for me to focus inward and sit alone and wallow in self pity. However, the healthier and more Christlike way to endure this season of testing is to look outward. When you are suffering, look to God’s perfect example. Serve others, read the Bible, and look outside yourself as much as possible.
If God Really Loved Me Why Is This Happening
It breaks my heart that those words have actually escaped my mouth before. God formed us and gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). What other evidence do we need of God’s overwhelming and unending love for us?! We are given trials as a way for us to strengthen our faith. As one Christian Jewelry Facebook fan said, “trials can become stepping stones or stumbling blocks”. God does love us, and that is WHY he gives us trials! He wants us to depend on Him more. The trials we are given are a chance for us to show God that we are committed to him and that we will not stray.
TIP #2 When you are in a trial that seems like it will never end, spend more time with your BIble and in prayer. I can say firsthand that when I am going through something upsetting or hard, the hardest thing can be to read scriptures or pray. But don’t let Satan’s influence drag you away from what you know you should be doing. Praying and Bible study won’t necessarily make your trial go away. But immersing yourself in the words and love of God daily can make trials seem lighter and will strengthen your faith.