One of the most difficult things for me to handle in my life is trouble. Those unexpected things that happen at the most inopportune moment. When trouble comes our way, we think we know how we will react, but too many times we do something totally different than we planned in our mind. Another word for trouble is the word TRIALS. A trial is a test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something. It is something that tests our resolve and shows our true colors when reacting to something.
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In the Book of James in Chapter 1 verses 2 - 5, James addresses the issue of trials or tests. Verse 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect sand complete, lacking in nothing. The trials of life are going to come and go, and sure enough, we will all have to face them. But the believer has a different approach to why the trails come, and that thought process goes back to the complete person. In other words, those who know Christ, also know that there is always a great plan in why God does what He does and that the end result is to help each of us. This is all part of the "hope" of our faith and draws us closer to God and helps us learn more about Him and this life we are living. When we know God is working a work in our life, (as difficult as it may seem) we look at trials and tests much differently. So in Verse 2, when it says, "consider it all joy" we know that joy. And instead of our reaction being one of defense, we turn it into a reaction of offense. We learn from that one, so we can face the next one. You've seen this brought out in many different movies where a chosen hero has the daunting task of saving the world. You look at him and he is a scrawny nobody, and you think that the Master has chosen wrong. But then, he goes through one trial after another, and when it comes to defeating the enemy at the end, he is ready because of his trials along the way. That age old story is not something from a Chinese Myth, but an actual truth from the Word of God. Of course, we would like to think the person who goes through those trials turns into a big, buff, warrior. That really is not the the case. Why? Because the effect is not on their body, but on their mind and their heart. Which brings to mind verse 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. I like the way The Message Bible puts it, 5 If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. All of this ties together to build up the whole person and that person is one who looks like Jesus. Sometimes those trials will seem unfair, and too tough, but just keep trusting that God will work things out, and learn from the storm while you are in the middle of it. God's Plan will take you to a new level of trust and understanding as you live your daily life. Here's a story about a young boy who had the right frame of mind when dealing with his trials.
David, a 2-year old with leukemia, was taken by his mother, Deborah, to Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, to see Dr. John Truman who specializes in treating children with cancer and various blood diseases. Dr. Truman's prognosis was devastating: "He has a 50-50 chance." The countless clinic visits, the blood tests, the intravenous drugs, the fear and pain--the mother's ordeal can be almost as bad as the child's because she must stand by, unable to bear the pain herself. David never cried in the waiting room, and although his friends in the clinic had to hurt him and stick needles in him, he hustled in ahead of his mother with a smile, sure of the welcome he always got. When he was three, David had to have a spinal tap--a painful procedure at any age. It was explained to him that, because he was sick, Dr. Truman had to do something to make him better. "If it hurts, remember it's because he loves you," Deborah said. The procedure was horrendous. It took three nurses to hold David still, while he yelled and sobbed and struggled. When it was almost over, the tiny boy, soaked in sweat and tears, looked up at the doctor and gasped, "Thank you, Dr. Tooman, for my hurting."
I know when we get to the point of trusting God through our trials, then we will truly be able to praise Him in all things. Until then, take those trials on one at a time and learn from them. These trial lessons have eternal wisdom attached to them. Keep this in mind. If I know that He is looking out for my best. I will come out of my trials with great wisdom. TRIALS = WISDOM.
The Pilgrimage continues......
David Warren
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