“…So that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them” (1 Thes. 3:3, NIV).
Uh oh. Destined for trials? Us? Apparently so, according to this verse. Hmm. Is it possible to avoid being “unsettled by them,” as Paul infers here? Apparently so, since Holy Spirit included this word in the canon of Scripture!
What does this mean, though? Are we talking about some super-human standard where nothing at all is supposed to ruffle our feathers, no matter how harrowing? I don’t believe so. Instead, I sense Holy Spirit is talking about a quiet, joyful steadfastness that He means to develop in us as we mature in Him. As we grow into the image of Jesus, this steadfastness will mean that the afflictions we face do not throw us off-center.
Does this mean we won’t struggle anymore? No. God has emotions. He made us in His image, so we have emotions. There are going to be days in this life when our emotions go through battles. As inhabitants of fallen Planet Earth, we are “destined for” such. How, then, do we face the future bravely – if we can count on the fact that hardships are going to come?
It’s all about getting to know Him. The more we know the Father, the more fearless we will become. The more we know Him, the more these will become our spontaneous habits: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thes. 5:16-18). Our rejoicing, praying, thankful spirits will be increasingly filled with His Spirit. They will have less and less space for lingering fears.
Fear has no lasting place in the heart of a child of God immersed in His love. He has promised to take perfect care of the ones He cherishes. He will always provide what we need to overwhelmingly conquer in any and every difficulty that is to come. We can joyfully rest in that assurance.
This reminds me of a story that I read by Corrie Ten Boom. She remembered confiding in her father about feeling afraid of the future. He very gently took the time to make it a teachable moment. He asked her this vitally important question about her experience as his child: “Corrie, do you remember when we took the train together? Did I give you your ticket ahead of time, or right when it was the moment to board?”
She replied that he handed it to her right on time, right when they needed to get on the train. He went on to explain that our heavenly Father does the same for us. When the time comes that we need something, He will provide it. Always. He will generously, unfailingly provide the grace for every moment that is to come.
Just as Corrie did not need to worry about whether she would have what she needed for her travels ahead, neither do you and I. Our heavenly Daddy loves us more than anything. He will provide exactly what we need for everything we will ever journey through.
Let’s walk hand-in-hand with our Abba. Let’s lean into His bosom throughout every day. The more we do so, the more unshakable we will become… until we even embody these words from the Savior: “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matt. 10:28, NIV).
It really is possible, treasured one. His perfect love can and will cast out all fear from our hearts as we walk intimately with Him!
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Why do you think it is that the Father prefers to provide what we need just in time, and not beforehand?
Feeding On Jesus 
He has forewarned us of His second coming. He warned His apostles of His coming death, but they didn’t understand what He meant. I think it’s the same for us. We only understand in the now or hindsight. I know for me that I often get ahead of myself and always stumble.
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Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, my dear sister. I am so grateful that He gives us just enough grace for right now and we don’t have to figure out what’s up ahead since that is in His hands! Sending you a big hug with much love in Jesus.
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❤
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I wonder if the answer to your question doesn’t lie in the fact that He lovingly knows that we will be happy and satisfied only in relationship with Him. The longer we have a gift that came from God, the more likely we are to think that we came upon it ourselves instead of realizing that it came from Him. If we have to wait until the last minute, we are more likely to know that the gift came from Him and not from ourselves. This should deepen our trust in and gratitude toward Him.
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I missed seeing this when you posted it, but so blessed now that I am! This is such a perfect description of the spiritual principle at work here. Thank you so much, Ruth!
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It’s all about getting to know Him. This is the key, the core or what ever words someone wants to use of standing strong through the storms of life. We many bent a little from it or sway to the point of breaking but with Jesus we will not break. I love the scriptures that say, nothing can separate me from the love of God, nothing. that verse alone can keep me strong even though all around me the world is falling apart. Great post, very encouraging.
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I missed seeing your insightful comment when you shared it, but so thankful to be reading it now! You are so, so right. This life is indeed all about getting to know Him more and more and more each day, and in doing so, trusting Him deeper and deeper and deeper. I am so with you; that verse from Romans is one of the very most encouraging ones!
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Over the weekend we had our first of three training camps for our mens team which will represent New Zealand at the World Masters Ultimate Championships in November this year. A great bunch of guys – both on and off the field.
Due to changes in my life, I haven’t been able to put in the work to help my body stay in shape to keep up yet. This has meant I have developed a weakness with one knee, which needs work. Over the weekend I felt the weakness creep back in, which was at first a little disheartening, which slowly grew to feeling like I was letting the team down as I was below my 100%.
So I needed to read these words today. A reminder that there will be hardships. I am fortunate the weakness in my knee is one that can be worked on and is at this stage not a serious injury. If I remember God is with me, and am reminded of this, He will provide the strength and motivation so I can put in the hard work to be there for the team in whatever ways I am supposed to be.
God is with us. Always. 🙏🧡
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I am once again moved to know that these words ministered encouragement to you, my dear brother. That means so much to me. May His Holy Spirit lift you up and fill you with His hope and supernatural peace and joy in knowing Him and His beautiful heart for you!
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I said a prayer just now for Him to continue to encourage you in this way, and to help you with HIs strength intervening in your knee for His glory and also His goodness manifest to you!
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thank you for this reminder and confirmation, Jennifer. I firmly believe that God gives us the grace we need to face whatever trials come to us, and He gives that grace only at that moment we need it. I find this a huge encouragement.
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You are so welcome, my sister! I feel joyful to know that it encouraged you. Thank You Daddy God that Your grace supply is always right on time!
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