The Unavoidable Path of Trials
God’s people are not exempt from tribulations. In fact, it was never part of His plan to shield them from life’s challenges. Instead, they were chosen to walk through the furnace of affliction, where their faith would be refined and strengthened.
A Legacy of Chastisements
When Christ left His final legacy, He included trials as an inevitable part of our inheritance. Just as the stars were fashioned by His hands, our trials are ordained, with their season, place, intensity, and effect predetermined. Good men and women should never expect to escape troubles; if they do, they will be disappointed, for none of their predecessors have been without them.
Lessons from the Past
Consider the patience of Job, who endured unimaginable suffering. Remember Abraham, who faced numerous trials, yet remained faithful and became the “Father of the faithful.” The biographies of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs all testify to the fact that God’s vessels of mercy must pass through the fire of affliction.
The Royal Mark of Trouble
It is ordained that the cross of trouble should be engraved on every vessel of mercy, distinguishing them as the King’s vessels of honor. Though tribulation is an unavoidable part of our journey, we have the comfort of knowing that our Master has traversed it before us. We have His presence and sympathy to cheer us, His grace to support us, and His example to teach us how to endure.
Responding to Trials
So, how should we respond to trials, even when we don’t know why we’re facing them? We should turn to God, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. We should draw strength from His presence, sympathy, and grace, and follow His example of endurance. And when we finally reach “the kingdom,” we will find that it was all worth it, for our trials will be more than compensated for by the glory that awaits us.
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