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Trials come and they go. Some are brief but intense whilst others linger. No matter the length of each trial the most important thing is whether we profit from, or learn from, every trial God allows or purposes for us in order to build righteous character.
It is safe to say that after each trial experienced, I do not ever think “Well that was a nice trial, thanks so much for that, and now I can go forward more confidently knowing I am stronger for it. Rather, my thoughts are more like “That trial nearly killed me and I never want to go through that again!” However I do give thanks to God for the trial in the hope that I have learnt valuable lessons — lessons from which I will grow and not have to revisit again.
How do we go from coping with trials to the point of experiencing joy in these same trials as mentioned in James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing”.
Historically, everybody who followed Christ had trials and we can read of some of these accounts in our Bibles. So many to choose from but one stands out in my mind as being significantly meaningful at this particular time in my walk with God. If we go to Acts 5:12-42 mention is made of the apostles doing “many signs and wonders” including healing the sick and those tormented and possessed with unclean spirits, while spreading the good news of Jesus Christ. This culminated in multitudes of both men and women being added to the number of believers and followers of Christ which angered the High Priest and Sadducees to the point of throwing the apostles into prison. These leaders felt threatened, were highly indignant, and could see the life changing effects on the people from the inspired teaching of the apostles and the “many signs and wonders”. To put things plainly, they were afraid of having their coveted positions of power and prestige usurped.
However God caused an angel to free the apostles from the prison so that they could come out and resume teaching the people. Once the authorities realised the apostles were freed and teaching the word of God again when they had been strictly forbidden, they became furious and sought to kill them. This is when Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, a Pharisee, and one greatly respected by all the people stood up to advis those in authority to listen to his words of reason. He spoke many things, including this prominent and profound advice in Acts 5:38-39 “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.” Powerful words which had the desired effect to release the apostles from prison so that they escaped death.
Reading on we see the result of Gamaliel’s words to those in authority who were deliberating to have the apostles killed before he spoke. This is recorded in Acts 5:40-42 which states the conclusion of the matter “ And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ”.
Not only did the apostles repeatedly ignore the authoritarian attempts to squelch their efforts in spreading the news about Christ despite death threats, beatings and imprisonments, but Peter’s (and the apostles) brave and honest response in Acts 5:29 is exactly how we should respond too; “We ought to obey God rather than men”. How inspirational is this to draw from and propel us forward?! What zeal, what dedication to their beloved older brother, their Saviour!
How do we go from tolerance to joy in our trials?
Do we endure the trials we experience with gritted teeth and thoughts of wanting them over and done with so that we can get on with life and return to our usual routines or comfort zones? This is where I have been and realise that I have to willingly change from this fear and develop character to resemble Peter’s bold and courageous example. 1 John 4:18 says it all…”There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love”. This indeed is a huge leap of faith, some would argue, in order to count ourselves worthy to suffer shame like the apostles did in the above account. Trusting God to deliver us contains part of that joy while, if we are not saved physically, then that is joy too as we know we will wait for the time of our resurrection to inherit the promise made to us (Romans 8:15). We absolutely can count on God’s promises; however, the here and now with all the human physiological reactions to what we experience is quite the challenge.
In addition to the inspirational account above, we can meditate and derive comfort from the words in Proverbs 21:30 “No wisdom, no understanding, and no counsel can prevail against the LORD”. Psalm 94:19 reveals “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy”. Yes, God’s Word brings us much hope, peace, comfort, and indeed great joy. The apostle Paul puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 12:10 “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong”.
Romans 5:1-5 is a key scriptural passage on how we change to be ready for God’s Kingdom — “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which was given to us”.
We have God’s Holy Spirit (the Helper) in us and we must allow His Spirit to lead us so that we follow in developing righteous character to ensure that our faith, trust, and hope reflect obedience in order to give God the glory. Keep our eyes, ears, hearts and minds on God and focus sharply on the joy of the destination — eternal life in the Promised Land as part of the God family — instead of the trials, tribulations, and persecutions of this temporary, physical life.
Finally
we conclude with perfect scripture in 1 Thessalonians
5:16-18…”Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.