We all go through struggles. These are to be expected in the Christian life. These trials take on many forms. Sometimes they are physical, sometimes mental/psychological. Sometimes they are financial or social/relational. They are all spiritual. That’s because everything in life affects and is affected by the spiritual.
All struggles, all trials in life are either the result of or lead to temptation somehow. Sometimes we suffer, for example, because of sin, because we have given in to temptations—perhaps many times. Sometimes we suffer from or because of the sins of others. Sometimes our sufferings have nothing to do with any specific sin anyone has committed, but even in those cases we are tempted (because of the struggle) to doubt God. So whatever form our trial may take place, temptation to sin is somehow involved.
For an example of this, I give you Peter. Consider what Jesus says to Peter in the upper room on the night that Jesus would be betrayed by Judas. Before that betrayal took place, in Luke 22, Jesus says this to him:
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”—Luke 22:31-32
This tells us a couple of things. One, what happened in the life of Job is not unique. Satan, the adversary, is in the business of temptation. Two, as in Job, Satan must have permission to do this. Three, God sometimes grants that permission.
That should give us some form of comfort. Yes, Satan may tempt us but he may only do so with permission. Second, God only grants that permission for a good reason. Whatever Satan intends for evil, God intends for good. And even when God allows us to be tempted he does not leave us alone to face that trial. Consider what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.—1 Corinthians 10:13
God is faithful! Isn’t that good news? And in this context God is faithful during our trials and temptations. But providing “a way of escape” is not all God does. Jesus says to Peter above, “but I have prayed for you.” That’s an amazing thing if you think about it. Jesus is telling Peter this: “Satan has demanded to have you to sift you, to put you through the ringer, to tempt you. And I have given that permission. But I have also prayed for you that your faith will not fail, and when you have been restored you will be better equipped to strengthen the brethren.” Think about those words, “but I have prayed for you.” The writer to the Hebrews says,
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:14-16
What does a high priest do? He makes intercession for his people. He offers up sacrifices and prayers on their behalf. Our high priest is perfect. He offered up a perfect sacrifice for sins in our behalf. That sacrifice was received. And now that same high priest, Jesus, offers up prayers on our behalf. His prayers are always heard. His petitions are always granted. Will Peter be tempted? Yes. Will Peter sin? Yes. Will Peter fall ultimately? No. And why not? Because Jesus has prayed for him. And because Jesus has prayed for him he will be turned again…restored. And when Peter has been turned again he will find that this trial, this temptation, even his failure, will have been used to benefit him and others to whom he will be better equipped to minister God’s grace.
Peter would later write…
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Peter knew this from his own experience! And he lived to do just exactly what Jesus said he would do…strengthen the brethren.
I don’t know exactly what kind of trial you may be going through. I do know of some of the trials that some of you are going through. But I also know that God is faithful through the trial, I know that Jesus is praying for you, and I know that God will use this in the long run for your eternal good and the furtherance of his kingdom. Take heart, brothers and sisters. Our high priest is faithful. He is praying for us. I am praying for you, also. Let us remember to pray for each other.