Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Robert Murray McCheyne
Before the Troubles
We don’t always see trouble coming down the road because we can’t see around the corners of time; however, Jesus can. He knows what’s coming before it gets here. He knows that whatever happens to us, it will all work out for our very best (Romans 8:28). No matter what comes your way or whatever you’re going through right now, Jesus knew about it long before you did (Genesis 1:1, John 1:1-3), but He is also going to go with you through this storm.
During the Troubles
The psalmist wrote, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:10), meaning He’s present with you in your troubles and at the very time you’re having them. You can “trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” (Psalm 62:8).
After the Troubles
After everything seems to calm down, Jesus is now seeing what the problems have done in your life. Troubles are like passing gold through the fire. They can remove the unwanted dross from us, making us more like the image of Christ. The Apostle Peter wrote that “though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6). Take heart because God is using this “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” (1 Peter 1:7).
Conclusion
Jesus can see the end from the beginning, and God has been working in our lives by preparing us for the troubles that will surely come and by being a present help in our time of need. But He’s also there with you to remind you that trials are given to test the “genuineness of your faith.” Now that really is “more precious than gold that perishes.”
