- more than a daily challenge, such as a hard customer or difficult task.

- often lasts a long time, such as months or years.

- unlike a challenge or hurdle, it tends to be a significant part of one's life.

- strengthens and changes our view.

- when faced in faith, aligns our mind and body with the Holy spirit and God's will.

 

*Happiness in Trial*

 

1 Peter 1:4-6

"and into the inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire -  may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed"

 

Although trials may seem painful, they bring understanding into the will of God and his purpose for you. God keeps you in them to learn and change, and mould you into the man he wants you to be. The trial is here and won’t go away until God's work in you is complete. I know it is challenging, but learn to find happiness during the trials in your life, and face it with a smile, loving God in the process. Be led by the Holy spirit! There is always better at the end.

 

Prayer point

Lord, help me understand that the aim of the trials in life is to prove the genuineness of faith which will result in the praise, glory and honour when Christ is revealed.

 

[For understanding of the Glory of God and Jesus Christ that we may Rejoice and find happiness while facing trial.]

 

Faith through trials

 

*Perseverance in Trial*

 

James 1:2-5

"Consider it pure joy, my brother and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

 

Stay head strong and persevere. A trial is something that NEEDS to be faced in life to grow, otherwise God would not let it be. Maturity will come and God's change in you be done. Hence, rejoice in this and welcome the trial and its challenges. Eventually, the trials will come to an end, but, in GODS TIME. 

 

PRAY for WISDOM. Trials are often prolonged or made more difficult because we simply lack the wisdom to deal with them. Just as we admonish each other, God will speak wisdom into you.

 

1 Corinthians 10:13

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it"

 

If you find the challenge too hard, know that God will not let you face something that is too difficult. As a child of His, rest knowing that if he allows it, then he knows you can overcome it.

Unwavering faith that we may continue to lean into God and rely on Him, and hHs word, to overcome our trials.

 

James 1:12

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life the lord has promised to those who love him"

 

*Life in Trial*

 

I tell you all. Trial is not easy, but through God we can persevere and overcome. And on the other side, with the change in us we can live LIFE for the way God intended it for us.

 

Additional notes/suggestions:

Share, do not be afraid to talk about what you are facing, even if it feels embarrassing. Trials come in different forms for everyone, we all understand that. Here in MAGH we address each other as ‘Brother’, to reiterate that this platform is a safe space. We are here to be our brother’s keeper. Identify one person you can trust in the group, talk, and pray together with them.

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

 

Additional Personal Prayer points

- Joyfulness during all trials and challenges

- For clarity of the lesson God is trying to teach

- Unwavering Faith in trial

- The strength to persevere

- Wisdom for the situation