It is hard to see the good when bad things happen. I have often turned to God in the middle of something tragic and asked Him, “Why?” I know God is always at work, but often I don’t understand the purpose of trials.
Paul reminds us in Phillipians 1:12-14 that our struggles and trials can serve the Kingdom of God. He wrote that being in prison actually helped the progress of the gospel; that his “imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else (verse 13).” Then he adds that because he’s in prison, because of Christ, the brethren “have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear (14).”
Tragedy and trials can stretch our faith, causing us to question God. Yet they can cause us to trust God and His purposes, to look for how tragic events can expose others to Jesus. It might be in ways we never expect or even in ways we never see, but we can trust in God’s sovereignty.
© 2021, CGThelen
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. – James 1:2
140 Character Christian 
Apostle Paul uses his own trials to bring the Gospel to us. He has walked the same steps as we are expected to do . . . imperfect, yet filled with faith in Christ.
Well said. We are benefactors of so many others who have carried the Gospel forward to us. Blessings.
As I imagined in a semi-fictional post a while back, https://seekingdivineperspective.com/2020/08/28/when-god-says-no-a-short-story/
Paul’s troubles led to the palace guard hearing the gospel. Even his “thorn in the flesh” which some believe was eye trouble, led to more hearing the gospel, since he had to dictate his letters out loud while he was in prison, rather than quietly writing them himself. 😉
The trials in life and the helplessness we experience are God’s tool to teach us to depend on Him. I hated the trials, but I cherish the growth in faith that resulted.
Well said. Looking back I can see the growth in trials. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
“Blind faith” is something God calls us to. I think of the Israelites, stepping into the Jordan; and of David, who followed God when he didn’t see the purpose – but look how God blessed!
“Increase our faith!” (Luke 17.5)
Those are great examples of stepping out in faith. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
God bless you for this. It is very relevant to my life right now and the reminder is awesome.
May God strengthen you and your faith. May you see His wisdom at work. Blessings.
It’s easy to blame God for everything. Satan is real and people must realize that. Blessings.
A good reminder. Blessings.
This is just what I needed this morning, CG. I found out yesterday afternoon that one of my mentors in the ministry has died of COVID. Yet God is still on the throne. Pastor Ron (my mentor ) would want me to remember that.
Blessings!
So sorry to hear that. I grieve with you and pray you will feel the peace of Christ, His comfort. I just read Psalm 126 this morning and thought of these verses when I read your comment:
“Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.” Blessings.