Pity Parties. Everyone has them sometimes if we're honest. We all occasionally get the desire to wallow in our misfortunes that are thrown our way whether they are related to a materialistic object we don't have or regarding a certain person. But are these feelings truly justified?
We all have different trials put in our life for a specific reason. If a first-grader was given the same 2+3 math problem until they graduated high school, how good would they be at math? Or if a runner training for a marathon only ran a mile everyday so as not to get winded, what would happen when they showed up for the big 26 mile run? Would they improve, mature, or reach their goal? The truth is probably no; you get better by being challenged with something more difficult than you have encountered before. Strengthened by accomplishing a new feat that you have never mastered before. So shouldn't we look at life's twists and turns the same way? Whether you're a Christian or not, you're not promised a smooth-sailing life. Comforting, I know.
Something you have probably heard a time or two: "He will not give you more than you can take." Is this entirely true? Well, as humans, we are pretty incapable of doing most things ourselves. If we were self-sufficient beings we would not need police officers, fire-fighters, doctors, teachers, plumbers, or even God. Put bluntly, we're anything but self-sufficient. We, as humans, need God. Some think blindly that they do not need God. It is synonymous to a defiant five year-old saying he or she does not need nor want his or her parents. Sometimes they even "pack" a bag and run away, maybe getting as far as the end of the driveway. The truth is, they realize that they are quite insufficient in the real world and need help. A five-year old relies on parents, placed there by God, for food, shelter, teaching, protecting, companionship, and so much more. In the same way we rely on God for strength, spiritual food, wisdom, teaching, companionship, salvation, eternal protection, and a plethora of other things. So would He give you more than you can take? Maybe, but he would never give you more than you can take with His help. 1 Corinthians 10:13: "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." God does not strive to overwhelm, suffocate, and discourage us. He desires for us to succeed and rejoice in Him. We are like his team members. He, as our "life coach," wants us to represent Him with our success and perseverance. Perhaps some trials are put into our lives to bring us closer to Him and remind us of our dependence on Him. We too often forget to be thankful for the abundance of things He gives us even when we don't ask. However, when something goes awry, we are all too quick to complain and nag. In the words of someone else, "The Bible is meant to be bread for daily use, not cake for special occasions." We should treat God the same way.
We need to remember that these trials and tests are not in vain. We should come out of them stronger in our relationship with the Lord. As He promises to put them in our life, He also promises to bring us out! 1 Peter 5:10 encourages me with, ""And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." He is not the sailor who would abandon a sick passenger on a deserted island so as not to contaminate the rest of His passengers. He cares about each of us deeply and genuinely. He will bring us out refreshed, new, and confident in Him. Even better, He will never turn His back on us or desert us. James 1:12: "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him." The time we spend on earth will not even be comparable to the time we spend elsewhere for eternity. So why should we be caught up in these temporary trials?
Worry. It can consume, paralyze, overtake, and crush us in a second if we let it. Should we? No. Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God knows we need His help and He knows when we need it. However, if we do not ask, will He likely give it? The Bible states: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you" (Luke 11:9). Don't let your pride get the best of you; simply ask and He will help you. Life can feel like running. You are tired, weary, and can't catch a breath. But I can encourage you to not take the easy way out. Endure. 1 Timothy 6:12: "Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
I personally know that without some of the trials that have been put in my earlier life, I would not be the same person I am today. Lastly, I leave you with one of my all-time favorite verses. John 16:33:I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcame the world." Don't let the worry, fear, and trials of this world consume you. Ask God for help and He will give it whether it is about something small or really big. Have faith in Him. There's always someone who would give anything to get what you have.
