Hope for the Holidays

For most of us, the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. Yet for some, it can be one of the most difficult and lonely times of the year. Especially for those who come from broken homes, have lost loved ones, or may be experiencing financial hardships.

For those of you who may be struggling through this Christmas season, please remember that God loves you. In fact, God loves you so much that He literally came to earth, died for your sins, was buried and rose again the third day. Searching the world over, there is absolutely no greater love than that. And because God loves us so much, He wants the absolute best for our lives. However, only He knows exactly what that "best" is and only He knows what it will take to implement it in our lives. Consequently, we need to trust Him.

Why Do Christians Have Trials?

There are two major errors we can make regarding trials: The first mistake is the failure to anticipate trials. Jesus suffered trials. Jesus promised us trials (John 16:33). All the apostles suffered trials. Trials are an expected part of the Christian life. And, like all storms, preparation can be critical in successfully enduring them. A second mistake is to harbor a morbid fear of trials. Remember 1 Corinthians 10:13: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."The Apostle Paul certainly knew sufferings (2 Corinthians 4:7-11, 16-18; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Hebrews 11:32-40). And he regarded them as opportunities. There are many reasons why we face trials. Here are just a few:

* To glorify God (Daniel 3:16-18, 24-25)
* Discipline for known sin (Hebrews 12:5-11; James 4:17; Romans 14:23; 1 John 1:9)
* To prevent us from falling into sin (1 Peter 4:1-2)
* To keep us from pride. Paul was kept from pride by his "thorn in the flesh"
(2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
* To build faith (1 Peter 1:6-7)
* To cause growth (Romans 5:3-5)
* To teach obedience and discipline (Acts 9:15-16; Philippians 4:11-13)
* To equip us to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
* To prove the reality of Christ in us (2 Corinthians 4:7-11)
* For testimony to the angels (Job 1:8; Ephesians 3:8-11; 1 Peter 1:12)

When faced with times of trouble remember that God loves you, He knows what is best for you, and He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). The Bible says: "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ... I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35, 38-39)."

This Christmas, please reach out to those around you, at work, in church, and throughout your neighborhood. Watch for those who may be lonely, hurting, hungry or searching for answers, and take the opportunity to share God's love with them. Share your blessings with those in need. Encourage your fellow believers. Most importantly, be sure to glorify God for the gift of his son, Jesus Christ.