HOPE TRIUMPHS OVER TRIALS

“Now thanks be to God who ALWAYS leads us in TRIUMPH in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge IN EVERY PLACE” – 2 Corinthians 2:14

HOPE TRIUMPHS OVER TRIALS: “Now thanks be to God who ALWAYS leads us in TRIUMPH in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge IN EVERY PLACE” (2Cor.2:14). Trials constitute a formidable Foe to Hope. Challenges sap our strength, resilience, and Hope. Yet, we must expect trials to come our way: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1Pet.4: 12-13). We must not be surprised when fiery trials come; but rather rejoice! Hope will triumph ALWAYS and IN EVERY PLACE!

God’s plans and timing for our provisions, miracles, and blessings do not always come on our own timetable. We must learn to trust His timing, submitting to His ways regardless of the outcome. God will use the trials for our growth and good, and for His glory, ensuring that the pain is not in vain. Times of trials are not times to hoard our feelings from God, but to share them with Him first. Someone said, “You need to call the throne before you pick up the phone!” The throne implies calling on God; while the phone infers calling on men for help! The Lord is the only one who can handle all of our raw emotions and outbursts, and help us to filter them before any other person hears what’s going on inside our hurt or overwhelmed hearts.

As we seek the Lord with all our heart, He’ll hear us, show up, and give us His perspective: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit” (Psa.34: 17-18). Then, we can become Envoys of Hope to others: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2Cor.1: 3-4).

Paul encouraged believers in times of trial: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). God’s Spirit helps us see beyond the present troubles into the glorious future God has lovingly prepared for us: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom.8:28).

Peter wrote about Hope and Faith triumphing over trials: “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, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith – the salvation of your souls” (1Pet.1: 6-9).

James also wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into VARIOUS TRIALS, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (Jam.1: 2-4). Our darkest moment may be the launching pad for the great and glorious future God has for us. Our wonderful God makes us “the aroma of life leading to life” (v.16). He loves us and gives us a hope that never disappoints – an anchor for our souls. God’s Help is ever-present to defeat every enemy of Hope that seeks to knock us off the path of Faith in Christ!