Getting to grips with our Tests and Trials of Faith

Learning to worship, and to be content in all circumstances is not something that comes easily to most of us. When we have endured many stern and bruising challenges, it can be hard to pursue and grasp hold of that spirit. Having found, or more probably rediscovered it, however, knowing when to rest in contentment, and when (and how) to resist something that is not right, is a matter of both experience and discernment. (Compare Luke 3:14, 1 Tim. 6:8 and Heb. 13:5 with James 4:7 and 1 Pet. 5:9) One thing is for certain, all who are eager to move in the power of God will inevitably find themselves going through many tests and trials, just as David did – however much smaller out own may be. As the Jewish sage Joshua ben Sirach reminds us, My child, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for testing. Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity. Cling to Him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous. Accept whatever befalls you, and in times of humiliation be patient. For gold is tested in the fire, and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation. Trust in Him, and He will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in Him. You who fear the Lord, wait for His mercy; do not stray, or else you may fall. You who fear the Lord, trust in Him, and your reward will not be lost. (Sirach 2:1-8 NRSV) The Scriptures remind us so often that we are not able ultimately to control events, and that we are not meant to be self-reliant but rather rooted and grounded in God – especially when inevitable tests come our way. It is so helpful to remember that, when the devil is tempting us, the Lord is often using the occasion to test and try our soul, so that we might ‘come forth as gold.’ (Job 23:10, 1 Pet. 1:7)