TRIAL
Even though some use trial and temptation interchangingly, there appear to be different in meanings. Trials are described as testing signifying the difficult circumstances, painful events and surprise set backs that plaque us all [Psalm 66:10-12]. Trials could be by water, by fire, by men and even by God. Times of trials produce shining testimonies. Those who attend classes take tests at certain intervals and examinations at the end of their study period. Even though examination may not be the true test for knowledge but it is an acceptable standard to evaluate learning, knowledge and understanding. In some establishments, promotions are based on passing sets of examinations; some are in theories while others practical. Again to obtain a driving license you have to be able to demonstrate an understanding of driving skills that include: safety rules, signs and practical driving. Also every profession has standard examinations one must pass to qualify for admission and certification as a legal member.
Before the beginning, God existed and the Word was with God and the Word was God. In the beginning, all things came into being through Him and nothing exists that did not come from Him [John1:1-3]. God created the universe of things in heaven and earth, things seen and unseen, throne, dominion, princedom, power-all were created and exist through and for Him. And He’s before all things and through Him the universe is one harmony whole [Col.1:15-17]. If we pause and ask: what do we have that was not given to us from God? It shall marvel us the greatness of God; force us purge ourselves, renew our vows and recommit ourselves anew to God. However, after the beginning follows trials; our faiths are tested and examined. Be it profession of faith and vows -Baptism, membership, pledges, marriages etc; our confession shall be tested. If you confessed you are a Christian, stand firm, keep your confession strong; dig deep into the mysteries of God’s grace and mercies, depend on His promises and anchor on His Word.
One salient fact is that our unspoken lives influence our seen lives, speak louder more than our activities. It determines our total worth and what we stand for. However, the way we see life shape our behavior, determines where we stand in trials; it simply reveals who we are, our values, our relationship, our goals and our priorities. Rick Warren writing on the ‘Purpose Driven life’ said: life offers three [3] attributes: [i] Life is a test – character [ii] Life is a trust – stewardship [iii] Life is a temporary assignment. God continually test people’s character, faith, love, obedience, integrity and loyalty. God does not tempt anyone but test us to confirm our stance and dispositions. The Bible records that God tested Abraham, Noah, Daniel, Joseph, Ruth, Esther and even Jesus Christ just to mention but a few. God test the way we appreciate and respond to His love; how we utilize His grace and understand His mercies. He tests how we expend our talents, time and treasure [3t’s].
God tests our marriage vows, how we treat our spouses, respect their feelings and opinions, accommodate their differences and treat their silences. He tests our reactions to the various changes we pass through in life and the challenges there of. These also bother on how we accept each other, cherish and nourish our relationship and our contentment in lack and pride in plenty. Most couples know how to be happy when things are well but cannot stand rough times. Biblical Job had an answer to this when he said, when God gives us good things we accept, why should we reject bad things from Him? These folks grasp as much as comes their way and are quick to ridicule their spouse in misfortune. Some do not enjoy the joy of coexistence since they live ’me-first’ lifestyles. But marriage is a commitment to live together, sharing good and bad days and living selflessly for one another. Most marriage today is stay for better and bye for worst. They’re quick to admire happy couples but have no idea what they went through to survive the hard days.
Some African marriages in advance countries of the world are on trial. They live as cotenants and whatever relationship should‘ve existed among them is dead. They pretend to Church and public functions but return home in conflicts. They are happy to escape to and spend much time at job where no one really knows them than when they are home. The children can tell you very easily who the boss of the house is. In Africa the men were family heads, probably the breadwinners and provided for the family. Some women were housewives while others worked for their convenience. The situation reversed since they arrived in the land of the freed and some women circumstantially contributes significantly to the family upkeep; some earn more income than their husbands. The reversed financial situation in US has force the women’s true color in the open. It’s a case of whoever blows the pipe dictates the tune. You don’t need telescope to see individual success but no collective achievement. How these couples claim to love God and detest themselves is valued test of faith that cut across religious belief. The change in situation is suppose to be an opportunity to prove love and perhaps reciprocates past deeds. It’s not to be a war between the forces of culture and the forces of newfound freedom.
‘Character is developed and revealed by tests and all of life is test.’ Character is what we do when nobody is looking. God tests people by major life’s changes, delayed promises, impossible problems, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism and unexplainable tragedies. God tests our hearts and motives to know whether we are Gods’ or men’s pleaser [1Thess.2:4]. Apostle Paul had to ask: Do I sound as if I’m trying to win men approval or seek to please men? No indeed, I seek God approval. I’m not trying to be popular with people. If I were, I’m not God’s servant…’ God is my witness as well as you all that I do not use words to cover greed to make demands on people. Our conducts towards believers are pure, right and faultless. The gospel I preach and teach is a revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ [Gal 1:10-12]. That was in Paul’s Dark Age. He did not know how to get rich through the gospel. Today we can perceive greed and covetousness in preaching’s and behaviors. Another value test is whose signpost are we and whose work comes first? [Luke 4:42ff]. When God test our faith, He wants to find out who is our number one – God or Satan? He tests our hope to see how we handle possession. He tests our love to find out how we treat Him and others. He tests our obedience and how we keep His laws.
A critical value test is how we react when we feel less of God’s presence, emptiness and hopeless. Because of this, we consider every day important and every second as a growth opportunity to deepen our character, demonstrate our love and dependence on Him. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr once said: ‘The true test of a man is not where he stands in the day of merriment but where he stands on the day of controversies and trials.’ Indeed, God tests our affirmations, our confessions and our testimonies to know on whose side we stand. For not all who call Him Lord are faithful to His calling. Some worship Him in their mouths but their hearts are far and even having no place for Him. Most tests are to put us in shape and help us to rediscover where we are and on whose side we stand; sharpen us for the task ahead and strengthen our faith. Evangelist Ogbonnaya can be reached through email:gkapin53@yahoo.com