“A crisis isn't a crisis if you're prepared for it.”

  Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; - 1 Peter 4:12

  Unlike the first three roots we've talked about thus far, these next few reach into areas that are, to some extent, beyond the doubters ability to control.

  Let me start this by emphasizing the importance of heeding 1 Peter 4:12. you WILL be tested. There are many accounts and warnings in the bible explaining the trials and tribulation we will go through. Some that come from the world, (Matt. 18:7, 1 Pet. 1:6) and some from Satan (Matt. 4:1, 2 Cor. 12:7, 1 Pet. 5:8). All of which are filtered by the hands of God for his holy purpose (Deut. 8:2, 8:16, Exo. 20:20, 2 Chr. 32:31, 1 Pet. 1:6, 4:12, Jam. 1:2). Therefore, as Peter said, we should not be surprised when they come (1 Pet. 4:12). Jesus stressed that we should heed His words so that in the day of testing we will stand. (Matt. 7:24-27).

It's easier to not doubt when we are walking in the Spirit fellowshipping with God, seeing Him move in our lives in an intimate way. But what about when we aren't. God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Deut. 31:6, Heb. 13:5) and that is never challenged here. However, we do go through times of testing, times of refining. Times that burn out impurities resulting in a more perfect reflection of Jesus Christ in our lives. (Rom. 8:29, 2 Cor. 3:18).

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; - 1 Peter 1:6-7

By this verse we know that trials will come, they will bring you to a point of distress, they are necessary, they have an intentional result. I remember reading various bible verses warning of trials and tribulation in the Christian's life and thought I was ready for anything. I had a very limited scope of what anything was. God brought something that was outside of the scope of things I had prepared for. A battle that takes place in the mind...for this I was not prepared. But I suppose a crisis isn't a crisis if you're prepared for it. Looking back I am very grateful for these times not because I enjoyed times of despair but I cherish the results that came out of those times; an intimate closeness with God like I never had before, a fellowship with Him that I may have not had otherwise, understanding of our Lord and Savior on levels I had never been to.

These times can be tough for sure. God is very dynamic in dealing with each of us on a personal level. He tests us to see where we are and proceeds according to His wisdom. To try and explain how this is done is to assume it's the same for each person or to limit God in how He works with each of us. It's been my experience in my own life as well as an observation in other believers lives that these times of tribulations are not predictable, are not the same for everyone and often come out of left field.

The bible is full of Godly men who felt abandoned, brought low, and even embittered by God. Not that they actually were but it is how they actually felt. Asaph's laments that God forgot to be gracious in Psalm 77:9, David's despair in Psalm 22:15. Job 27:2 where Job felt God had embittered his soul. During their times of hardship all had their doubts, their questions, their frustrations with God.

If you investigate each of the cases above you will find that all worked out for good according to God's purpose. Romans 8:28 is a promise for you as well.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28

Good here is not our measurement but is actually good according to God's measurement. Also notice the word all, the sum of events in a believers life not just specific ones. According to His purpose, the greatest good.