ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsSample

Trials

By Donna Noonan

READY:

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.” – 1 Peter 4:12

SET:

We often hear that God has a wonderful plan for our lives, and He does; but we often think it will result in a successful life on Earth. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Players get injured, top recruits go elsewhere, we lose ballgames. Things that are out of our control happen all the time, and responding to those trials tests our faith. 

Answering the “why” questions during trials is hard. The most honest answer often is, “I don’t know,” but that doesn’t usually help the questioner. The best thing we can do is to remind ourselves and others what we do know about God.

Here’s what I know:

• Compared to God’s, our view is very small and shortsighted. He sees the big picture. We may not know why something is happening, but we can trust that He does and believe that He will work all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

• It’s OK to cry out to God and tell Him what we’re feeling. Sometimes we fear doing that, but it helps to get it out. The key is not to stay there.

• Get into His Word to recall the promises and character of God. Psalms are a great place to go. Remember, He wastes nothing and is always at work to take ashes and turn them to glory (Romans 5:3-5).

• Seek community. We may try to isolate from others and God, but it’s important to let others in so that God can work through them. 

• Make a choice to trust God’s power and plan more than your own. This can truly set us free. 

GO:

1. What promises has God shown you? 

2. He might fix it for you to see or He may not. What’s your response? 

3. Do you trust Him enough to live not knowing the “why”?

WORKOUT:

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (Amplified)

Romans 5:3-5

Philippians 3:8-10

1 Peter 4:12-19

OVERTIME:

“Father, help me to choose joy, trusting You in trials.”