There is a belief, and one I would have to go along with, which states that when a Christian goes through trials and tribulation in their life they either are drawn closer to the Lord or distance themselves from Him. The reason I support this particular reasoning is because I have seen both outcomes happen in the lives of Christians I have known and still know.
When a person, who is facing a difficult situation or number of situations in their life, realize they need the assistance of God to get through what they are facing, it draws them closer to Him. They know where there help comes from. As the Psalmist said in Psalm 121:1, “I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” And then we hear again in Psalm 124:6, “Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” We also read these words from the writer of Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Many Christians have turned away from the Lord out of anger and disappointment towards God because of the hardships, struggles, or trials they are being subjected to. They may feel God has either abandoned them or is punishing them in some way. If God is not for them as they feel He should be, then He must be against them. This is a God they believe has failed them in their time of need!
The Apostle Peter gives us a bit of insight on how we might view, or relate to, what may be happening concerning the trials of turmoil we are dealing with. I Peter 1:6-7, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Do you and I really believe and trust in His promise? Will we lean into Him in our time of need and rely on Him for the strength and help we are so desperately craving in hard times? Or will you and I turn from Him, the One who is our only true source of assistance, help, and hope? I pray it is the first option! The testing of our faith and where we truly are in our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, is most clearly revealed under heat and in the face of fire. The words of Moses to the people of Israel, I believe can also apply to us, “Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God goes before you. He will be with you; He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” May we be faithful under fire. Pastor McCarty