How Do Trials Help Us?

Peter warned us, "...think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to lest you, as though some strange thing happened unto you"(lPet4:12).

 When you try to go up higher in God, the demonic principalities and powers of the air will fight you." Nowhere do we hit resistance like we do when we decide to establish a daily devotional time in which to wait on the Lord. When you get serious about seeking the face of God, expect opposition and trials. They often come. It is comforting to know that even through trials and tribulation, ' 'God works all things together for good to them that love the Lord, to them who are called according to his purpose" (Rom 8:28 rsv). As we wait on God, He turns on the fire of trials, tests and temptations, and our lives heat up. When we have reached the "boiling point," two things result:

1) Sin And Self Are Purged Away.

2) God's Power Begins Working In Us.

God's power begins working in us and through us with exciting supernatural consequences. When you place a cooking pot of water over fire, the water will eventually boil. You cannot hasten or prevent the boiling by watching the water, by stirring it constantly or by ignoring it. Whatever you do, the water will boil when it reaches the boiling temperature. The boiling is the result of the application of heat to the water, not the result of some action of the water upon itself. In the same way, when we go through the fire of affliction or tribulation, things happen inside us — with no effort on our part. They are the by-product of God' s heat applied to the water of human nature. We experience inner change. Our motives are purified. Our desire to sin is burned away. "Whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin "(1 Pet 4:1). Yes, it is true, "...they that wait [for His appointed time with prayer and fasting] upon the Lord will exchange their strength for his. "