|
|
 |
| Tempted
and Tried |
|
| Bubba
Garner |
|
We are assured that trials will come.
“All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). There is no loophole or exemption
clause; there is no way around it. In fact, Peter says not to be
surprised when they come upon us, “as though some strange
thing were happening” (1 Pet. 4:12). And James prepares us not
for “if” they happen, but “when” (Jam. 1:2). Seeing that
we cannot escape these “various” trials, coming in different
shapes and sizes, often from unexpected sources, what can we do
about them?
Cheer up. What does James say
to do? “Count it all joy” (Jam. 1:2). How does Peter tell us
to respond? “Keep on rejoicing” (1 Pet. 4:12). Jesus Himself
preached in the Sermon on the Mount that when people insult you
and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you,
“rejoice and be glad” (Matt. 5:11-12). Do you see a pattern
developing here? If you want to end with joy, you have to begin
with joy.
Yet, we would much rather “count it all misery” or “keep
on complaining” or “pout and be angry.” We want people to
know when we’re suffering and how much we’re suffering. We
find greater comfort in feeling sorry for ourselves than in
finding ways to rebound and rejoice.
We must start seeing things from God’s perspective instead of
our own limited, selfish view. Only then, will our eyes be
opened to a whole new world. Only then, can we see Him on His
throne, watching over us and causing us to rejoice. In
prosperity and in adversity.
Look farther along. The testing
of our faith “produces endurance. And let endurance have its
perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking
in nothing” (Jam. 1:3-4). An athlete endures the rigors of
training because he knows it will make him a stronger for the
contest. We must persevere through our fiery trials knowing that
we will emerge sharper and more durable on the other side.
God is interested in making His people better. Trials and tests
are just one way He can accomplish that. He knows that they give
us confidence and boldness for future trials. He knows that they
help us become mature, “perfect and complete, lacking in
nothing.” He knows that a faith tested becomes a faith
perfected. Bad things may happen to good people. But with the
right attitude and proper perspective, they can make good people
even better people.
Let the Lord help. “But if
any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (Jam. 1:5). There
are times to pray for the trial to be removed. But there are
also times to pray for wisdom to endure it. Wisdom will help us
see the end result, even when it’s still far way. Wisdom will
help us make good choices in the midst of adversity. Wisdom will
help us maintain our faith in God though we be in the most
desperate of circumstances.
God gives to all generously. He will not only fill your cup, He
will cause it to overflow. Pray for wisdom. Then use it.
“Cheer up, my brother. Live in the sunshine. We’ll
understand it all by-and- by.”
|
|
Copyright (C)
2008
Southside Church of Christ
All rights reserved.
|
|
|
