One of my trepidations about preaching about trials is the question:  “Are trials in our near future?”  Some have told me they might not be at church often during this series because of that (they said that sarcastically…even though I haven’t seen them at church lately😂).   But the reality is that many in our church are already in the throws of earthly pain, and I’m grateful that this series has served our church and them.  Several of them have mentioned how helpful this series had been to them, and like so many in our church, they’re leaning into what God is teaching them.   

Filling in Some Blanks

On Sunday, I mentioned that I trimmed my list of “How God uses trials for His glory” from 9 to 4. I thought it would be good to add everything I thought about last week, so I put them in categories.  

Category 1: Miraculous Opportunities

• Jesus resurrected Lazarus. All who were there saw it. Trials are opportunities for the miraculous.

Category 2: Disconnection from Earthly Things

• Trials create a disconnect from earthly things—health, money, family, relationships, etc.
• Trials strip away what we trust: health, wealth, jobs, relationships, or idols.

Category 3: Longing for Heaven

• Trials create an ‘unsettledness’ in the earth & a longing for heaven. Ex: Abraham-looking for a city.
• Eternal Perspective and Hope: Trials remind us that our ultimate hope is not in this world but in eternity with God.

Category 4: Testimony of God’s Grace and Strength

• Trials create opportunities to testify of God’s strengthening grace.
• Trials create moments of weakness where we rely on the strength that God supplies. When we endure trials with faith and trust in God, it demonstrates His power to sustain and uphold us even under challenging circumstances. Our reliance on Him amid adversity showcases His strength and faithfulness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Category 5: Displaying God’s Provision and Grace

• Displaying God’s Grace and Provision: Trials unexpectedly reveal God’s grace and provision. Whether through answered prayers, supernatural peace amid turmoil, or tangible support from others, God’s provision shines through our trials, glorifying Him as our provider and sustainer (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:8).

Category 6: Strengthening Faith and Reflecting Christ’s Character

• Strengthening Our Faith and Dependence on God: Trials test and strengthen our faith in God’s promises and character. As we persevere through trials, our faith grows deeper and more mature, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness to those around us (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7).
• Reflecting Christ’s Character: When we respond to trials with patience, love, forgiveness, and humility—reflecting the character of Christ—it glorifies God. Under challenging circumstances, our transformed attitudes and actions point others to the gospel’s transformative power (Romans 5:3-5; Galatians 5:22-23).

Category 7: Witnessing to Others

• Witnessing to Others: How we handle trials can be a powerful testimony to those around us. When unbelievers see our steadfast faith and peace in the midst of suffering, it can lead them to inquire about the source of our hope and strength, providing an opportunity to share the gospel and glorify God (1 Peter 3:15).

Category 8: Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Endurance

• Trials can create opportunities for forgiveness & reconciliation.
• Trials can create moments for endurance & need for the strength that only God supplies.

Category 9: Pointing to Deeper Joy in the Lord

• Trials attack our identity, what we think we’re strong in or good at, or what we enjoy, and they point us to deeper joy in the Lord.

Looking Ahead

This coming Sunday, we will study 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 and look at embracing weakness.  Trials cause us to see and understand the strength only God supplies and our weaknesses.     

From the Cheap Seats

• I’m writing this fresh off of watching the Aggies lose the College World Series to Tennessee.  It was a rough one.  But what Coach Schlossnagle has done with this program in a few short years is impressive.  This team was banged up down the stretch, and to make it to the final game is to be commended.  Tennessee just kept running baseball dudes out in every at-bat.  
• I’ve never heard of Coach Mazulla, the head coach of the Boston Celtics.  But after this, I’m going to pay closer attention:  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=WC7FNe&v=964645762327199&rdid=KRQ9FUfehRmAaRuG.  
• The Tennessee baseball moms have a great tradition this year.  Watch this:  https://x.com/NCAABaseball/status/1802532191647223952.
• This guy left his eye black on the wall:  https://bleacherreport.com/videos/574358-wallcrashing-grab.
• Finally, this fan makes an unbelievable play:  https://bleacherreport.com/post/mlb/66eb3a26-c068-4727-88f2-ec473d445e52

Have a great week! Christ is King!

In Christ, 

Dave York