March 19

Trials Leading us to Christ

When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die. — John 4:47 BSB

The trouble in this man’s home drove him to seek out Christ. Perhaps he would never have gone if not for his son’s illness. Many of those who sought Jesus during His time on earth were drawn to Him because of their heartaches. They tried everything else first, and when nothing else worked, they finally turned to Jesus.

This still happens today. Many people who have never prayed before find themselves kneeling by the bedside of a sick or dying loved one, crying out to God for help. Often, it is personal suffering that first sends people to God. It wasn’t until the prodigal son was in desperate need, having exhausted all other options, that he decided to return to his father. Similarly, many sinners don’t think of Christ until they are overwhelmed by guilt or fear of judgment. Only when they feel the weight of their sin do they seek refuge at the cross. Yet, the comforting truth is that even when people turn to Jesus late, He doesn’t reject or turn them away.

We should remember that whenever trouble comes into our lives, it is meant to drive us back to Christ. Perhaps we’ve drifted away from Him, grown complacent, or lost our initial love for Him. The trouble that touches us is God’s merciful hand drawing us back to a place of safety and blessing by His side. A man was once traveling, hungry and unsure where to find food. A sudden storm forced him to seek shelter under a tree, and there he not only found protection but also food, as the storm brought down fruit from the branches to satisfy his hunger. Likewise, those who are driven to Christ by trouble find both shelter and nourishment for their souls.