top of page

Maturing Through Permitted Trials

First Lady S. Proctor

Jun 26, 2023

So often we have been told to be problem solvers, we’re told to figure it out.

And yes, that is true sometimes. But there are times in our lives when we cannot figure out or solve problems that occur. Certainly, we have all experienced when we just did not know what to do, say or how to react. Thank God he places people in our life that we can trust to listen, encourage, and pray for us. But they cannot solve the problems that befall us. We ask what is going on? Where do I go from here? Asking if this

is really happening? And, sometimes even blaming ourselves for what we did not create. We must tell ourselves to stop and get it together in Jesus' name. The devil is a liar.

We must believe and trust that God is in control, in what seems to be out of control. Most times when our life is disrupted with trouble, we start to feel numb, confused, hurt, depressed and anxious. Those are all normal feelings everyone encounters when we feel pressed down. For a while now, I have been going through difficult challenges in my life. No, it does not feel good, look good, smell good or taste good. All those feelings you just read about I have experienced and sometimes still do.

But, through this experience I have matured in trusting God. I have learned that He is my source, help, teacher, and loves me more than anyone else can. My hope has turned from man to God. Truly, through these grim times God has strengthen and allowed me to learn about myself. Somethings about me that he revealed I do not like. Not only did He show me myself, but He is instructing me on how to become a better me. I have learned to live for Him and not for others. My biggest error was placing all my hope in man unintentionally making him my God. Really, God is jealous, and we cannot put anyone before Him. I have repented to Him knowing that he has forgiven me.

Maturing causes growing pains that only God himself can guide us through, now I truly know that God’s grace is sufficient. No matter what state we are in we must, believe God is with us. He will not allow us to be ashamed when we trust in Him. Days may seem dreary and nights long and dark. But God knows all about our state of mind, health condition, financial downs and all

else. I still remind myself of that, God will not allow me to carry more than I can bare. There are people, things, and situations we must let go and hand over to God. He knows how to take care of what we cannot. Let us no longer carry what he does not

present to us. When we trust God, we start to enjoy life and live not just survive.

What is also important is that we admit to what he shows us about ourselves. He wants us to think as Christ, love unconditionally, walk in humility, be more forgiving, pray more, praise more and complain less. He wants us to not doubt but confess with our mouth the battle is not ours but the Lord’s. You may be thinking, she does not understand this trial I am going through. Trials permitted by a divine creator are allowed for us to mature in becoming more like Christ. We will never go through as much as Jesus God’s only son went through when he walked this earth. Yet he never complained but completed his

mission according to his father’s will. Now, he sits at the right hand of The Father with all glory. Trials not only come to mature  us but for God to reveal to us the level of our faith. There is something he wants to perfect in us for his purpose. Let us not loose heart, look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. He got us and He will oversee whatever we are going through. I know it is hard to us, but nothing is too hard for God. He can soften anything or anyone, his way.

Helpful Scriptures: James 1:2-4,12 Philippians 4:6-8,13 1Peter2: 19-24, 1Peter 5:6-11 Romans 8:12-17

Romans 8:31-39 II Corinthians 5:6-9 Psalms 116:1-2 Psalms 117 Psalms 101:1-4

bottom of page