Why Does God Allow Trials? Building Godly Character Through Testing
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
In our daily meditations on the Scriptures, we focus on how God shapes our character to more clearly reflect His nature. Yesterday, we examined what God did to prepare Joseph for leadership over Egypt. God intended to elevate Joseph to a prominent position in Egypt's government to save his family during a famine. Yet, this preparation for rulership involved suffering and pain. When Joseph was imprisoned for an alleged rape of Potiphar's wife—of which he was innocent—he likely wondered what God was doing. He couldn't see what was ahead and perhaps didn't realize that his roles in Potiphar's house and prison were God's way of preparing him to oversee Egypt during the famine. After he rose to become second-in-command of Egypt, his brothers came to buy food. Their bowing before Joseph reminded him of his prophetic dream.
16He called down famine on the land and destroyed all their supplies of food; 17and he sent a man before them—Joseph, sold as a slave. 18They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons, 19till what he foretold came to pass, till the word of the LORD proved him true. 20The king sent and released him, the ruler of peoples set him free. 21He made him master of his household, ruler over all he possessed (Psalm 105:16-21; emphasis added).
The Purpose Behind the Pain: Lessons from Joseph
What is your dream or vision? Do you have the character foundation to support it? How successful do you want to be? Do you wish to be a vessel in God's hands? Is God speaking to you now through these words? If so, hold tightly to Christ and ask Him to transform you into His image. Humble yourself, surrender your will to His, and see what God can accomplish with your life. Like Joseph, stand firm in your integrity and turn away when sin tries to entice you (Genesis 39:12). Develop a heart attitude that detests sin in your life. Remember, you are made for eternity. Life isn’t solely about earthly events. God is preparing you for what lies beyond this life; character is the core of eternity, and you should not leave this world without developing a godly character. Allow God to shape you into Christ’s likeness. No matter the trials, whatever your circumstances, may your soul find peace.
Finding Peace in the Storm: The Story of ‘It Is Well’
In 1873, Horatio Spafford, a Chicago businessman, delayed his departure for evangelistic meetings in England. He sent his wife and four daughters ahead on a ship, which unfortunately collided with another vessel and sank. A few days later, he received a telegram from his wife stating, “saved alone,” informing him that his daughters had perished. Grief-stricken, Spafford traveled to England to reunite with Anna. As his ship passed the area where his daughters drowned, his profound sorrow, combined with his unwavering faith in God's goodness, inspired him to write the hymn 'It Is Well.'
When peace like a river attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,
"It is well; it is well with my soul!"
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought—
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to His Cross, and I bear it no more;
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend –
"Even so, it is well with my soul."
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live;
If dark hours about me shall roll
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
From Testing to Abundance: Your Eternal Inheritance
After enduring these painful trials, Horatio and Anna Spafford went on to establish the American Colony in Jerusalem, Israel. Some Americans and Swedes joined them, contributing resources to care for Muslims, Jews, and Christians in the Holy Land. They assisted many returning Jews by providing housing, food, and support to help them regain their footing and become self-sufficient. God allowed Horatio and Anna to face terrible trials that shaped and refined their character. Their faith was tested, leading them to a place of abundance (Psalm 66:10-12). Heaven alone knows how close they are to the throne with Christ and what rewards they are enjoying right now. May you also experience His abundance and enter the inheritance that awaits your homecoming!
Putting Faith into Practice
Understanding that God is shaping you is the first step, but how do you respond today? Try these three steps:
Identify Your "Prison": Joseph was in a literal prison; you might be in a "prison" of debt, a difficult job, or a strained relationship. Write down one current trial you are facing. Instead of asking "Why is this happening?", ask, "Lord, what character trait (patience, humility, integrity) are You building in me here?"
Audit Your Integrity: Joseph fled from sin even when it cost him his freedom. This week, identify one area where you are tempted to take a shortcut or compromise your values. Make a conscious decision to stand firm, knowing that integrity is the foundation of your future promotion.
The "It Is Well" Prayer: When anxiety rises this week, don't try to suppress it. Follow Horatio Spafford’s lead: acknowledge the "sea billows" (the pain), but then verbally declare, "Lord, I don't see the end, but I trust Your goodness. It is well with my soul." Peace is often a decision before it is a feeling. Keith Thomas
Continue Your Journey…
To keep up with our daily meditations, consider bookmarking the link below for all our free 3-minute Bible meditations in English:
The more in-depth study notes of this topic are at the link: The Character of the Disciple
The video teaching of this talk is found at the link below:
Comments