Everyone goes through trials. Everyone's trials are different. I might go through a temporary wanting-to-pull-all-my-hair-out-because-my-toddler-won't-stop-saying-mommy-mom-mom-mom-mommy-mom-128359823750179542837523576 times-like-Stewie-from-Family Guy trial. It might be a bigger more heart-breaking trial like my marriage ending a year ago. For my friends in college and my little sistaface Paige in highschool, your trial might be senoritis or just the stress of the school workload. For the Nevils, they experienced the trial of a horrific car accident that took the life of a Godly mom/wife and severely injured a bright, beautiful daughter (who is recovering quite nicely, praise God!).
When Paul wrote this particular letter to the Philippians, his trial was that he was in prison. From prison, this is what he wrote:
"Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me."
Philippians 1:12-26
You hear believers and unbelievers alike say "Everything happens for a reason". Myself along with hundreds of other people have been touched and truly encouraged by the story of the Nevils. (I don't know if the link will work, but you can search "Praying for the Nevils" in Facebook and find them) I have been following their journey on Facebook and adamantly praying for them. I have been brought to tears by their faith and positivity through a horrible tragedy in their family. I don't think any child should ever have to go through life without a parent. I know firsthand how hard it is. But look at how many people have been ministered to through Steve Nevil's unwavering faith in our great God. There is purpose.
I was completely at the bottom of the bottom, heartbroken and scared when my marriage ended. I didn't understand what I did wrong or why I wasn't good enough. I didn't know how I was going to be a single mom. I ached to my core thinking that I had failed Ryot in giving her the stable home that I always wanted for her. But God....God had a bigger plan for me. I am now more in love with God than I ever have been in my life. I am happier than I have ever been. I have joy that lasts throughout daily struggles and worries. I have a purpose and a calling to do more and be more and accomplish more than I ever could have imagined. I could not have gotten to this place while still trying to please everyone around me more than God...including my husband. Now, I'm not saying this to get into a debate on whether God caused or allowed this to happen. That is another topic entirely.
Paul could have whimpered and sulked and cried out to God asking why had He let such a horrible thing happen to Him. Instead Paul focused on what was being accomplished through the trial. Through my divorce, I now have a heart for marriages and single parents. I have an experience that helps me identify with others. I have met some of the most amazing people and have gotten to minister to people in similar situations. Every experience, good and bad, has shaped me into who I am. I can sulk that I am a struggling full-time working mom living in a new area...OR...I can trust that God has me exactly where He wants me and is preparing me for something greater. I can trust that God will be my validation and will fill every void for Ryot that I thought my failed marriage would cause. There is purpose.
We are human, we have emotions, but we can NOT be run by our emotions. God will receive the glory whether we give it to Him or not. But how much happier could your life be and what could you accomplish if you surrender your wants, desires, struggles, heart aches to Him and see a purpose in it?
We are allowing our emotions to limit us from the freedom and purpose that we already have in God. Wake up and accept the victory that Christ purchased for us on the cross!
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