Joy in all Trials

March 4, 2010

Today, as everything (and nothing too big), from schedule changes to kid challenges came at me, I struggled and wanted to go back to the comfort of not having to deal with these things. To have things unchanging, unmoving, like the long break of true rest I had over the last weekend. And I realized again how much Jesus is drawing me to His Word through these circumstances. Because the world is always going to change… but His Word will not. It is the safe breaker, the secure Rock to which I can cling when all else is stormy, battles, and waves crashing. If only for a few minutes I can cling to that which is secure, steady, unmoving. And know what to expect.

I wonder if it is our time with Jesus that makes us better able to hold on to the Rock. We are more familiar with it, know where to put our finger holds into the crevices, and have a better understanding of its shape. We are no longer blindly flailing to hold on to something sturdy, but holding on to a secure place which we know and understand. Our eyes know to turn away from the storm and towards the Rock that is holding us firm, and to trust in that Foundation. How much more will a child cling to their mother in times of fear than to a stranger? And how much more will they receive comfort from the one they know best? It’s the same with us and Jesus.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

A few quotes that have me thinking from a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon called "A Joy in all Trials"
“My brethren, I reckon that the endurance of every imaginable suffering and trial would be a small price to pay for a settled assurance, which would for ever prevent the possibility of doubt. Never mind the waves if they wash you upon this rock. Therefore, when you are tempted, "Count it all joy" that you are tried, because you will thus receive a proof of your love, a proof of your faith, a proof of your being the true-born children of God.”

“Experimental knowledge is the best and surest. If you have seen others pass through death itself triumphantly you have said, "This is proof to me: my faith is no guess-work: I have seen for myself." Is not this assurance cheaply purchased at any price? May we not count it all joy when the Lord puts us in the way of getting it? It seems to me that doubt is worse than trial. I had sooner suffer any affliction than be left to question the gospel or my own interest in it. Certainly it is a jewel worth purchasing even with our heart's blood.”

“I find it especially sweet to learn the great strength of the Lord in my own weakness. We find out under trial where we are most weak, and just then in answer to prayer strength is given answerable to the need. The Lord suits the help to the hindrance, and puts the plaster on the wound. In the very hour when it is needed the needed grace is given. Does this not tend to breed assurance of faith?”