IronGuys Law Enforcement Ministries
"WORDS OF WISDOM"
By Police Chaplains
"Trials Never End"
By
Doni Daudel
Chaplain, Beaumont (CA) Police Department
“Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time..”
Luke 4:13
Luke 4:1-13 is the description of the devil tempting Jesus. Temptations come from the world, the devil and our flesh, and they will lead to trials, so we need to be prepared. Trials: “various tests, challenges, and hardship individuals face in life, often seen as opportunities for spiritual growth and a means through which God strengthens faith..” Trials are part of life and we experience many throughout our life. I know that’s not very encouraging but Jesus, who experienced trials Himself, said in John 16:33: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 was a verse I memorized early in my walk. As I meditated in this verse I found it to be very encouraging for three reasons. The first reason is in the first part of this verse: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace..” Jesus reminds us that He is our peace. Things and people can never offer the peace found in Christ. The second reason is the second part of this verse: “In the world you will have tribulation..” We live in a fallen world surrounded by fallen people, including ourselves. When fallen people living in a fallen world intersect, trials and tribulations are the end result. This warning should cause us to prepare with prayer and study daily. The third and final reason is found in the last part of this verse. This portion brings great encouragement because it is an eternal promise: “but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world..” We can overcome because of Christ in us.
No one enjoys temptations, trials or tribulations yet they come with life. We need to trust that God is using them to grow our faith. God never tempts us. That will always come from the devil and fleshly desires. God does allow times of “testing” to prepare us for future events and draw us closer to Him. Preparation is the key to persevering and success. Be in prayer daily. Study the Word of God daily. Find and go to a solid, uncompromising Bible teaching church and develop relationships for accountability, and put on and keep on the “Full Armor of God.” Trials, tribulations, hardships and persecutions are part of life. Cling to the giver of life, Jesus Christ, and experience the peace that only He can give.