Causes of Trials

If is is God's dealings, then we must learn to submit.  "Submit to God" (Jas 4:7) and draw on His grace to go through the trials victoriously.

If if is Self-Induced-Trouble, learn from the problems and determine not to commit agin.

If is is an attack from Satan beyond God's will, then go to battle and resist the devil and "he will free from you" (Jas 4:7).

Joseph septn somewhere between ten to twelve years in an Egyptian prison for refusing Potiphar's wife the adulterous relaionship she sought.  She falsely accused him of trying to rape her.  For this, Joseph spent many years suffering for righteousness' sake.

God has promised to make him a ruler.  What do you think ten or twelve years in prison would do to a leader who had a promise like that?  It is most frustrating and distressing beyond belief.  Yet, God allowed Joseph's situation.  Why? So the word of the Lord to him could be "tested like silver, tried in a furnace and purified seven times" (Ps 12:6).  The process seemed very costly for Joseph.






Rev Dr. Ronnie Ng