Charles Stanley Daily Devotional 22ndJuly 2025 (In Touch) Tuesday Message
TOPIC: Our Trials: Allowed by God
SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Peter 1:3-9 (NASB)
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various [a]trials, 7 so that the [b]proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and [c]full of glory, 9 obtaining as the outcome of your faith, the salvation of [d]your souls.
Some people have the wrong idea about the Christian life. Once they become believers, they expect everything to be smooth sailing. Yet Jesus made it clear that troubles are inevitable, even for God’s children (John 16:33). His own life was no exception.
So, even as His followers, we can expect difficulty, though the causes of tribulation differ with each circumstance. Some problems arise from the fallen nature of the world, while others result from ignorance, sin, or poor decisions. There’s also another possibility—sometimes God Himself allows trials. While this last option is hard to accept during painful times, we should remember the Lord never permits hardship unless He has a beautiful purpose for it. And He promises to give us strength to endure.
That’s why, when we encounter struggles, it’s important for us to keep in mind that they can be for our benefit. Perhaps they are intended to purify and grow us. Maybe God’s purpose is to test our endurance and devotion, strengthening our trust. Or He might be revealing His sustaining power. This side of heaven, we may never know the cause, but we can trust the Lord’s character and ability to deliver us.
What trials are you facing? Jesus understands your pain and longs to be the One you cling to in both good times and bad.
Bible in One Year: Isaiah 1-3
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: The Lord never permits hardship unless He has a beautiful purpose.
Dr. Charles F. Stanley was the founder of In Touch Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author. Throughout his ministry, he demonstrated a keen awareness of people’s needs and provided Christ-centered biblically based principles for everyday life