How to Live with Trials


Over the past few weeks, I have been preaching and teaching about FAITH OVER FEAR. The series will not answer every question, nor provide a fixed answer to the trails and fears that we facing right now.

The answers to our difficulties are not always easy to come by, or a quick process. For this reason, we must let the Holy Spirit minister in our lives through Scriptures. What do I mean by this? Let us allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us as He brings to our mind Bible verses.

I remember a time that I was going through so much, that I thought I would go insane. A brother shared a Bible verse, "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body" (Colossians 1:24). The Lord strengthened me through Paul's words. The sufferings we go through are working to make us more like Jesus.

In Philippians 1:29, it says, "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for him."

We receive grace for salvation through faith, and grace to overcome our fears and trials. It is Christ in us that allows us the grace to suffer for Him. I must confess that I had never thought about suffering in such a way. We should be encouraged by this revelation.

Our lives are given to our Lord, Jesus Christ, and we become His body here on earth. We should not be surprised we face the same trials, persecution and fears that Jesus did. And the answer is the same, as Jesus had. "Father, your will be done, not mine."

In Philippians 3:7-10, we read another verse that explains this further, "I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death and so somehow attain resurrection from the dead."

Paul teaches us that suffering brings us closer to our Savior. It bonds us to our Lord. It is time to discover more about the pain and trials that He faced on earth. Such a reality helps us to appreciate the depth of His love and sacrifice on our behalf.

As we face fears and struggles, let us ask the Lord what He wants us to learn through this season of our lives. I know it is hard to believe, but suffering can bring remarkable results, as the Holy Spirit transforms us to be more like Jesus. Our lives are changed forever.

We are at peace with God through Christ's atonement. We are saved, we have everlasting life, we are a new creation, and we have been adopted as children of God. When fears and trials knock at your door, draw closer to God. He will care for you and protect you as nobody else can.

I have learnt that the deepest wounds bring depth and meaning in Christ, and they become a memorial of His enduring love, because as He comforted me, now I may comfort those around me. It is not easy, never is. However, "when our hearts are broken open, they are broken free" (Pastor Irwing).

We know how to live with trials when we learn to walk with Jesus every day of our lives and rejoice that we are in Christ, even when tears drop from our eyes.

Every blessing,

Bishop Josep Rossello