"Why God Allows Trials" -- Part II
by Gerald R. Nash
Nothing “Just Happens” -- If we are Christians, nothing “just happens” to us. Disappointments, broken hopes,
wrecked plans -- everything that touches our lives is preparing us for a place in His kingdom. God permits each
experience, trying to bring us closer to Himself. His ways are mysterious, but He never makes mistakes. He is
wise and loving. Let us submit to His better judgment. There are some things we cannot know until we go
beyond them and look back.
God may touch our dearest interests in order to draw us away from danger. Sometimes He takes away our
greatest treasure. Illness may fall upon a loved one; death may carry off the pride of our heart. But, having
gazed into death, we can value the realities of life more deeply.
He doesn’t enjoy our grief, but suffering is necessary to teach us obedience. One writer said, “God sometimes
washes the eyes of His children with tears, that they may read aright His commandments.” However severe our
trials, Christ is never unkind or unloving. “I know the thoughts that I think toward you.” He says, “thoughts of
peace, and not of evil.” Jeremiah 29:11. Whatever trials He allows are for our good. “If received in faith, the trial
that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights the joys of earth will be
the means of turning our eyes to heaven.” -- {21}
When calamity strikes, there is no relief in asking. Why? Questioning and doubt only aggravate the problem. It is
better to accept the fact and then gather all our resources to deal with it. Though you do not always see the
outcome of affairs, you are not to throw away your confidence in God.
One of the most costly diamonds in the world was taken from the Kimberly diamond mines of Africa and
presented to the king of England. He sent it to an expert diamond cutter. For days and weeks the diamond
cutter studied that stone and, with greatest care, planned how he would cut it. Then he took the priceless gem,
made a notch in it, struck it a hard blow with an instrument, and the jewel lay in his hand in two perfect pieces.
Was the blow a mistake? Far from it. It produced two magnificent diamonds for the royal crown.
Sometimes God allows a stinging blow to fall upon us. It may be the failure of some cherished plan or idea.
Whatever the disappointment, God holds our lives in his hands. He has a purpose for us and for each blow that
he permits to fall.
God “doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” Lamentations 3:33. He permits trials to come to His
children because He loves them.
No Place for Despondency -- This leaves no place for discouragement. All should live, confident that God is
planning for them and that whatever happens is for a specific purpose. That kind of confidence makes life
happy! “They will look back with thankfulness upon the darkest part of their way.” What a promise!
Satan designs temptations to hurt us, but God turns them to good and uses them for His glory. Every
experience, happy or sorrowful, has its mission from the Father.
“Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case before the Lord. your Spirit will be braced for
endurance. The way will be open for you to disentangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaker
and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you become in His strength. The heavier your
burdens, the more blessed the rest in casting them upon your Burden Bearer.
“Circumstances may separate friends, the restless waters of the wide sea may roll between us and them. But no
circumstances, no distance, can separate us from the Saviour. Wherever we may be, He is at our right hand to
support, maintain, uphold, and cheer. Greater than the love of a mother for her child is Christ’s love for His
redeemed. It is our privilege to rest in His love; to say, “I will trust Him; for He gave His live for Me.”
Human love may change, but Christ’s love knows no change. When we cry to Him for help, His hand is stretched
out to save.” -- {22}
Thoughts For Those having Trials and Disappointments
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater things;
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.
I asked for riches, that I might be happy;
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men;
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life;
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed!
Author Unknown
Footnotes
Books by Ellen G. White
1. The Great Controversy, pp. 589-590
2. Testimonies, v. 9, p. 286
3. Prophets and Kings, p. 578
4. The Ministry of Healing, p. 489
5. Evangelism, p. 471
6. The Faith I Live By, p. 64
7. The Ministry of Healing, p. 471
8. Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing, p. 118
9. Ibid, p. 119
10. The Ministry of Healing, p. 471, 472
11. Sons and Daughters of God, p. 116
12. Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing, p. 10
13. My Life Today, p. 93
14. Ibid, p. 94
15. The Desire of Ages, p. 528
16. Ibid, p. 483
17. Ibid, p. 301
18. The Acts of the Apostles, p. 524
19. In Heavenly Places, p. 247
20. Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing, p. 117
21. Thoughts From The Mount Of Blessing, p. 10
22. The Ministry of Healing, p. 72