In one song by Charles Tindley, he expresses how we sometimes feel: “Trials dark on every hand, and we cannot understand all the ways that God would lead us to that blessed Promised Land. But He guides us with His eye and we’ll follow till we die, for we’ll understand it better by and by.” God explained to ancient Israel one reason He permits difficulties in the lives of His children. Moses wrote this in Deuteronomy chapter eight: “He humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.” [Moses wrote] “Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD your God disciplines you for your own good.” Still today, God often permits us to go through trials and difficulties to refine our character. Of course, God using trials to refine us does not justify injustice or the inhuman treatment others inflict on us. For while God refines our character, His justice still awaits those who do us harm. Yet despite any injustice we may endure, we can still say with another Gospel hymn writer, “God is a good God—yes He is.”
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Thank you, Dr. Banks for that message. Trial make us stronger. They are not something we look forward to although they are required in our walk with God.