Times Of Trials

I guess these are the times of trials for most of us, whether you are a Christian or not - I am saying in a "wider scale". The times when major economies are down, when many people lost their homes, their jobs, and consequently lost some part of their lives - like loved ones, friends, and many more. The time when people expect the unexpected, people just don't see it coming their way, people were unprepared. Are these the times of the "end times"? I think partly it is, the time when the Lord is giving us wake up call before something else more important happens.

But for a Christian, these kind of times are to be expected - it would surely come in our lives. I want to read from the Scriptures (James 1:2-7):

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

This instance will separate the boys from men, it separates the grains from the chaffs. I like how the term "various" was described. It was like the coat that Jacob made for his son Joseph, the coat with various colors. The trials will come in different forms, different colors, different intensities, and different pressures. It is always fitted into our situation, and God always makes sure it is just enough for our bearing - not overweight, not overload, but just enough. Good enough that we will be able to get through it if we remain under its pressure.

When we go through these kind of times, let us count it all joy! Joy is the supernatural in-filling of God in our hearts, not merely an external happiness but an inward experience of God's supply of grace even in the midst of physical and emotional hardships. Paul and Silas can praise God even at the point of being chained in a prison dungeon. We just need to know that God is in control, God is on the throne, and He knows what's going on in our lives. That is called wisdom! Only Christians have this wisdom that is supplied by God and it is for the asking. The only condition is that, it must be asked "in faith". A person who asks God for leading and guidance but keeps on doubting will never receive wisdom. And when trial comes, he just keeps solving it his way instead of relying on God who gives liberally and generously.

Trust God in times of trials, for each of us must go through purification process before joining Him in His holy place called heaven, for all eternity.