“Why is it so hard, Mom?”
His voice was weary, and though we were on the phone and separated by miles, I knew him well enough to see his expression—eyes cast down to the right, staring, disillusioned.
“I’ve prayed and believed this is the path God wants me to pursue with my life. So why is it so hard?”
My young adult son’s question was one every dream chaser eventually expresses: “If I’m doing what God wants me to, shouldn’t it be easier than this? Why isn’t He helping me?”
As followers of Christ, we know trials and hard seasons are a fact of life. Nevertheless, they take us by surprise. [clickToTweet tweet=”Our trials are consistent with our reality but so inconsistent with our expectations.” quote=”Our trials are consistent with our reality but so inconsistent with our expectations.”] And like a child who doesn’t understand, they make us cry Whyyyyyyy?
“Why, God? It isn’t fair! I did my best. I prayed. I trusted. I (fill in the blank with all your efforts), and this is what I get?!”
This is the hard reality of our trials and the confusion they cause. If we are truly God’s chosen, the ones He lovingly created and formed, then why is life so hard?
It’s true. We are chosen by Him. But often we forget what God’s choosing entails.
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tried and CHOSEN you in the furnace of affliction.
~Isaiah 48:10 (AMPC)
One Bible commentary says this:
God had chosen [the Israelite] nation to be his people when they were suffering in the furnace of affliction in Egypt; and it is also true that God chooses sinners now . . . as the result of heavy affliction. . . their affliction had prepared them . . . to seek consolation in him; . . . and to embrace [His} offers of mercy.
. . . the furnace of affliction – Refer[s] particularly to their trials [as exiles] in Babylon. Afflictions are often likened to fire – [because] fire is used to purify or try metals, and afflictions have the same object in reference to the people of God.
There are two clear purposes of the furnace of affliction:
- to prepare the hearts of sinners to receive God’s mercy
- to purify or try His chosen
Throughout the Bible, we see God use hard trials and testing to prove and strengthen the faith of His chosen both as the consequence of their sin and to purify and test their faith.
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.
~1 Peter 1:6-9
Our trials should cause us to examine our hearts before God for sin and the possibility of His correction, but we also have to remember His higher purpose for our lives. It’s not our comfort! His purpose is to conform us to the image of Christ.
Are you in a difficult season and tempted to give up on your dream? Take heart, Dreamer! God is committed to accomplishing all of His good purposes for your life. Allow Him to work in and through you as He purifies your heart in His holy furnace of affliction.
And be certain of this . . . He is the author and perfecter of your faith, and you can trust Him to complete the good work He began in you.
Shared by: Kim Hyland
Joanne Viola (@JViola79) says
November 13, 2017 at 6:40 amLoved this > Our troubles prepare us to “to seek consolation in Him; . . . & to embrace [His} offers of mercy.” So very grateful He is faithful to complete that which He begins in each of our lives. Blessings!
Kim Hyland says
November 13, 2017 at 11:22 amJoanne, isn’t it such a comfort to know our troubles have a diving purpose!
Becky Hastings says
November 13, 2017 at 7:51 amSuch a great encouragement for those hard times! It is so easy to get lost in WHY, but God always has a purpose. Thankful for your words today 🙂
Kim Hyland says
November 13, 2017 at 11:24 amYou’re welcome, Becky! Yes, WHY can be like a wandering in the wilderness. I’m so thankful for His guidance even there!
Kathy Cheek, Devotions from the Heart says
November 13, 2017 at 7:56 amThe reminder to take heart is a great way to start a brand new week. I know it encouraged me!
Kim Hyland says
November 13, 2017 at 11:24 amI know I need it, especially on a Monday! I’m so glad you’re encouraged, Kathy 🙂
Stacey Thureen says
November 13, 2017 at 8:09 amGreat reminders, Kim. Thank you so much! 🙂
Kim Hyland says
November 13, 2017 at 11:25 amYou’re so welcome, Stacey!
Michele Morin says
November 13, 2017 at 8:41 amI recently read a Tim Keller quote that has changed my thinking about adversity:
“The evils of life can be justified if we recognize that the world was primarily created to be a place where people find God and grow spiritually into all they were designed to be.”
I want my path to be easy and predictable, but God knows this would certainly just make me fall in love with my plans rather than with Him.
Kim Hyland says
November 13, 2017 at 11:27 amThat’s a great quote, Michele! It really does make a difference when we shift our expectations and acknowledge God’s purposes. And “falling in love with plans” . . . I was just talking to my husband about how my plans take on their own life on a Monday. Thanks for that reminder to remember WHOSE plans are the best!
Char G. says
November 13, 2017 at 12:44 pmIt seems a season of struggle for so many around me. I was reading in Romans 5 how the trials lead to hope and ultimately point us to Christ. Praying for your son!
heather says
November 13, 2017 at 1:02 pmHard truths that we don’t like the hear. But it’s so necessary to hear them, to understand that this is the way God often works. If we don’t understand this, we could end up losing faith when the hard times come, feeling like God isn’t keeping up His end of the bargain.
Rachel Lee says
November 13, 2017 at 1:39 pmTo conform us into His image…ahh, His ultimate purpose! It can be so hard, can’t it?
I can certainly relate to the frustrations of difficulty in following God’s path. I have a grown son who has recently asked similar questions, as your son. Praying for them both, as they persevere!
Thank you for sharing Kim!
Cathy says
November 13, 2017 at 9:09 pmJust wanted to say hi. I’m new here and just linked up and I’ve added your blog to my link-ups page. God bless!
Hopeful50 says
November 15, 2017 at 8:57 amGod’s economy is so different from our own. Great post and thanks!