Praise God During Trials

"The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence." Psalm 11:5

Ready for a jaw dropper??? I once heard someone say that they didn't believe that God actively disciplines His people during this present time. They probably don't believe that He tests them either. But there is much scripture to back this up. It was shortly after that conversation (at which time I was not prepared to point to the needed scripture) that I came across those verses that I SO needed that night.

Hebrews 12:3-11

3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives."
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

And also in 1 Corinthians, when speaking about examining oneself prior to receiving the Lord's Supper...

"But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world." 1 Corinthians 11:32

So, what about tests and trials? As Christians, we have all endured some test or trial from the Lord, be it small or HUGE. But being tested by the Lord should be seen as an opportunity to glorify Him rather than an opportunity to sulk.

1 Peter 4:12-19

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
"If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

So, yes, Christians endure tests, trials, and discipline all from God above. And in each, we should Praise the Lord and act in a way that is glorifying to Him. I know that I have not glorified God in all trials and discipline. It certainly is not easy. In our day and age, people tend to complain and rebel against trials and discipline. I pray that by God's grace I will have the appropriate response to future trials and discipline, for they are designed for my good and His glory.