“…The oak is not only tested by storms, but toughened by them.”  
Author unknown 

“…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character; hope.  
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”  Romans 5:3-5 

Are you in the midst of difficult circumstances right now?  Many Believers are.  These are the very trials that press us into the Lord; the fact is that outside of the Lord, they are impossible.  However, we have the assurance of God’s word that He is with us in and through them all.  They are never for our undoing, but for conforming us to the image of His Son!  Scripture tells us that they are from God and a blessing.  They are a refining influence and they are for discipline (instruction).  Let’s look at some of these verses.

*Trials as a blessing:
“Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects;
 Therefore, do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.”  Job 5:17

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”  2 Corinthians 4:17

“Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterwards it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11 

*Trials are from God:
“So you should know in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the LORD your God chastens you.”  Deuteronomy 8:5  
(Read verses 2-4 as well to know what the ‘so you should know’ refers to.)

“You have caused men to ride over our heads;
 We went through fire and through water;
 But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.”  Psalm 66:12

“For I have eaten ashes like bread,
 And mingled my drink with weeping,
 Because of Your indignation and Your wrath…”  Psalm  102:9-10
(The title of Psalm 102 in my study Bible is “Prayer of an Overwhelmed Saint”)

*Trials are a refining influence:
“But He knows the way I take;
 When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.”  Job 23:10

“For You, O God, have proved us;
 You have refined us as silver is refined.”  Psalm 66:10

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”  1 Peter 1:6-7

*Trials are for instruction:
“Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD,
 And teach out of Your law.”  Psalm 94:12

“ My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
 Nor detest His correction,
 For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
 Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”  Proverbs 3:11-12

Jesus speaking in John 15:2, 
“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”

Though the trials are hard, God ‘will never desert you nor forsake you.’
 And how well me know Psalm 23:4--
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (of deep darkness), 
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me…”
Look carefully at the words, ‘WALK THROUGH’ not sit down in! And not alone!  JESUS is right there!

Believer, we are never alone!  We live in the presence of Holy God!
May we not waste, but make the most of our sufferings that God may turn then into blessings and glory.  Be of good courage and trust in Him who is trustworthy!  Amen