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Our Trials

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 8, 1866

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 27, No. 23.

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Our Trials.

By Mary J. Keefer

EVERY situation in life has its peculiar trials, and probably we have all sometimes felt that our trials were very great, even greater than we were able to bear. Every Christian knows what it is to be tempted and tried. Let us notice particularly some of the trials of life.
Perplexities arise almost daily to every one of us. We can recall a thousand instances in which it has been exceedingly difficult for us to decide what course to pursue. We often have little difficulties, which, though not worth mentioning to our nearest earthly friend, are yet objects of serious thought to our own minds.
We are also often beset by temptations; there are many kinds—temptations without and temptations within. By yielding to the suggestions of the wicked one we are frequently led far from God and from the way of holiness, and are caused to shed many bitter tears of repentance before we can enjoy the smiles of our heavenly Father, or an approving conscience.
Our perplexities are frequently the source of temptation. Doubtless the design of all our trials is to fit us for a more blessed state of existence. Our whole life is a scene of trial. It is said to be a state of probation. Every event of our life, prosperous as well as adverse, is calculated to try us; and we should remember, too, that every event is in strict accordance with God’s plans of love and mercy, and if we put our trust in him, all things will work together for our good.
Our trials should teach us to always have God before our minds, to watch and pray that we enter not into temptation; that is, that we may not be exposed to temptation, or that when we are tempted we may escape. They should cause us to be less conformed to the world, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. In short, we should purify our hearts, and let our trials make us fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.
When we live as we should, our thoughts are taken from the world, and the things of the world, and placed upon Heaven. We no longer look upon the earth as our abiding place. Heaven has new attractions. We have a treasure there, and our hearts will be there also; we look forward with joy to that day when we shall be re-united to those we love. Oh, blessed re-union! when parents and children, brothers and sisters, shall meet around the throne of God in Heaven!
We read in the Scriptures this text: “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience;” and again that “the trial of your faith being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honor, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” Why then repine, thou tried and afflicted one? Are not the promises of God sufficient? Look up; has not the Lord said, “As thy day, so shall thy strength be?”
MARY J. KEEFER.
Arcadia, Mich.