Devotionals for the Heart: A different way to view the trials we face in life

When We View Our Trials Through a Different Lens
A devotional by Aubrey Taylor

“You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you!”—Psalm 40:5 (ESV)

Here in the Western Hemisphere, it is common for a Christian to read Romans 8:28 and consider how it applies to their own life. Many of us would be surprised to realize that in other parts of the world, Christians read this promise through a very different lens. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) tells us that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

North American and European culture focuses heavily on the individual, yet there are many cultures that see everything in terms of the whole—family, community, and tribe. One might call these cultures collectivist. We often forget that the authors of the Bible lived in a collectivist culture too. This stands out in Psalm 40:5 (ESV), with King David’s use of the word us when he said, “You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us.”

This changes the way I read Romans 8:28. Perhaps when Paul says that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him, he means that God is working all things for the good of all who love Him.

From watching the lives of those who have gone before us in the faith, we know that good does not necessarily mean a favorable outcome in this life. In the past, there have been generations that have seen nothing but struggle. They died, and the promise was realized in another generation. Hebrews 11:35-40 tells us of the things believers have suffered throughout the ages. It helps to remember this part that says they “did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us” (Hebrews 11:39-40 ESV). Their suffering opened the way for future generations to believe, be saved, and encouraged through their trials.

Throughout the Biblical narrative, we can see the way all of Israel’s sufferings eventually led to the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet even this was during a time of the heavy-handed Roman occupation of Judea and the entire known world. Salvation from Rome did not come during Christ’s lifetime. After Jesus died, was resurrected three days later and ascended into Heaven, His Church on Earth began to grow and flourish. However, that resulted in Roman rule becoming more oppressive and persecution of Christians began. In this difficult time, God was not so much interested in the good of the individual, but the good of a far greater number of people—future generations that would believe in Him.

If you are suffering today, take heart. If you have had a loved one pass from this life without receiving what God has promised, don’t let your faith be shaken. Though God is certainly interested in our individual lives, our personal struggles, and our very tears (Psalm 56:8), these are not the only things He has in mind. Our suffering may be intended for something greater—the good of many.

Now with this in mind, would you join me in praying that God would help us to see our suffering through a different lens?

Let’s Pray: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that Your plan is being worked out in the most intricate and beautiful way. I know my story weaves in with countless others throughout time—even those that have not been written yet. When I suffer, please remind me that my struggles will be used for good in ways I do not even know. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Blessings” by Laura Story. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

The only child of a single parent, Aubrey Taylor filled her younger years by creating characters and writing stories. This ended around age sixteen when music, friends and part-time jobs began to fill her time. After that came college, work, marriage, and children. 

It wasn’t until the world was beginning to come out of the COVID pandemic that God led her back to her love for writing, coupled with a passion she’d always had for history. It was time to start a new adventure!

Along with writing devotionals, Aubrey is the author of the German-perspective 20th Century Fiction series, Gott Mit Uns. She lives in Upstate New York with her husband and three children. When she’s not writing or taking care of her home and family, she enjoys singing and dancing with friends from a German choir and a Bavarian folk dancing group. She is also a lover of Jesus Christ, The Holy Bible, history, German culture, tea, and cats!

~*~
Connect with Aubrey:
Website: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com
Blog: https://www.aubreytaylorbooks.com/blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/aubtaybooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aubreytaylorbooks/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21846520.Aubrey_Taylor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/aubrey-taylor
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Aubrey-Taylor/author/B0973KWXV8