‘I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.’ - Charles Spurgeon
There is perhaps nothing that exposes our hearts to ourselves more than trial and trouble. We discover what we truly value, and where we are rooted and grounded.
Jesus said that He is the vine and we are the branches, and He invites us to abide in Him (Jn 15). But when we respond to trial and trouble attempting to muscle through, grit our teeth and bear it, or ignore it and pretend like it’s not there - really what is being exposed at that moment is that we abide in ourselves, not in Christ. And those are shallow roots.
We can abide in Christ now by actively looking to Him, actively resting in Him, actively trusting Him, actively treasuring Him. Abiding in Christ will not mean we are free of any trial and trouble, in fact, Jesus says in this world we will face trial and trouble (Jn 16:33). But when we abide in Him, we can be rooted and anchored deeply in Him even in the midst of trouble and trial.
Yes, every one of us will face trial and trouble in this life, but Christ invites us to take heart - because He has overcome the ultimate trial and trouble.
Jesus, we are grateful that you have overcome the ultimate trial and trouble, and you are with us in our own trials and trouble. Let us abide deeply in You, as You abide in the Father, amen.
Taking heart,
AB