When trials seem bigger than God....From the Field and Around the www.

“When it rains…it pours.”

“Why is this happening to me?”

“How can God do this to me?”

These are all statements that can be heard almost daily, and maybe you have said them yourself as well. There certainly are times when our trials seem like they are overbearing. There are times when we just don’t know what else we can take…what we can do…or how we will see out of the situation at hand.

In the book of Job, we can read what might have seemed like a very challenging situation for Job and his family. When I say “might have seemed,” I say this in respect and adoration for Job and his love for God, but also understand that I cannot know what he felt. The pain had to be incredible. I mean, think about it…

Job lost his income, his assets, his possessions, and not even lastly, his own family. Can you imagine? I hope not. I can’t help but think about the poor souls that also had to report all of this devastating news to Job. How hard would it be to say…”Job, your crops are gone?'“ Even more difficult would be “oh yeah, I need to also tell you that your flock is gone.” Then, after the messenger may be seemingly through with the despairing words…here comes the kicker. “And…a storm came…knocked over the house…your children were in the house…they didn’t make it.”

Wow. Some might read this and think “how can that be a loving God that will allow such things?” Oh to have the unbelievably forgiving and somewhat understanding heart of Job in that instance that his patience was pressed so long to say such a statement as “the Lord gives, and the Lord takes away…” Not only that, but the next words uttered from the mouth of Job were “blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Job became stronger. He loved God through his trials. The suffering that he had was incredible it seems, yet, never strayed so far from God that he would not be able to feel His loving hand upon him. Matter of fact, once you continue to read the story of Job…you see the bitterness that even his own wife and “friends” showed toward the situations, the more encouragement we can gain from Job as well as the outcome of his situation. God blessed him 10-fold after that. These blessings weren’t necessarily “replacements” for what he had lost, but can certainly be seen as a light at the end of the tunnel in ways of his life having some form of joy equal or greater than ever before.

Today, we also face trials in multiple facets. One may have a bad day at work. He may receive some really bad news. A sister in Christ may have a knock on her door telling her that her husband had been in a fatal accident. Students at college may see their faith tested by a host of “friends” that might end up being much like those of Job. A whole host of matters can take away our joy…and seem like the mountain that we can’t climb.

I am reminded by the words of James that we have a bigger part and lot in the matter at hand. Our trials, although not sent by God, give us an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God, and to shine brightly as Christians in a dark world. This gives hope to others. This builds confidence in ourselves. This helps in our patience, our wisdom, our strength and our understanding. Is the trial bigger than God? Certainly not. It may seem so at first, and if you have not hope of the Father’s help in times of tribulation, indeed…your trial may be bigger than God for YOU. But, there is a way out. There is a better way.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

9 Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! 10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful. (James 5:7-11)

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2019 was an incredible year for our team at TGOC. We saw a lot of positive change, more local broadcasts, new congregational support, many blessings of feedback, and most importantly - several reports baptisms and restorations.

This did not come without some trials and some growing pains. When we have a peak, there certainly is often a valley behind it. But, with the encouragement and prayers of many of you daily, we strive on and on to the efforts that we can all celebrate in the end.

2020 looks to be a very beneficial time of opportunity for all of us at The Gospel of Christ and certainly, we want to thank you and your church families for the blessings of your encouragement, prayers, faith in our work, and financial support. Without you, we might be as lost as Job would have been without his faith and patience that carried him through.

We have already been in multiple states this year with the Field Rep program and have more upcoming visits scheduled soon. If Scott can come and visit you in the Texoma/Oklahoma City area, we would love to meet you and tell you more. You can reach Scott at scott@thegospelofchrist.com. I would also like to visit with existing and new congregations personally in the states of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky and more and would be willing to discuss opportunities at your convenience. My email is joey@thegospelofchrist.com.

If you happen to be attending either the Freed-Hardeman lectureship in February, or the Faulkner lectureship in March, please stop by and visit with us at our booth/tables. We would love to give you some DVDs and to get to know you.

Keep watching for some great things to happen this year. Lots of new opportunities will abound and we all can grow stronger together serving the Lord in 2020 with great vision!

Until next time!

~Joey Ferrell