One of the most incredible stories in the Bible can be found in the book of Job. As we read through this book, we can see how Job went through a horrible loss, and yet God led him through and upheld him in all things. In one day, Job lost his entire fortune, his children, and his servants but still kept faith in God. Over the next few days he was stricken with horrible diseases and was brought almost to death. Even after all seemed lost and he was given seemingly every excuse to curse God, Job was granted the strength to keep his faith in God and was even given great rewards and blessings.
As we travel through this earthly pilgrimage, we often find ourselves in situations that we would rather not be in. We sometimes find ourselves echoing the words of the psalmist in Psalm 77: “Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favorable no more?” Whether it is because of a loss of a job, a death of a close family member, or persecution from the world, we are called to maintain our faith in Christ to lead us through all things.
As we look back on our lives and throughout history, we can see countless examples of God using trials to the advantage of his children. We are called to constantly trust in Him and to know that everything will work out to our profit. One passage that has always given me strength through trials is II Corinthians 12:9-10. In this passage, the apostle Paul is given a “thorn in the flesh”, and asks repeatedly for it to be taken away. The answer he gets is something that we all need to hear when facing adversity. “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
Young Calvinists 