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Trials a Blessing

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 4, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 22.

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Trials a Blessing

By Albert Weeks

ALBERT WEEKS
TRIALS serve a purpose in the development of character. They furnish material for the exercise of faith. The more severe they are, the more faith may be developed. Peter says, “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.” 1 Peter 1:7. The trial of faith, if endured with integrity and patience, will redound to the praise and honor and glory of God, for it is the power that he has given that keeps us from falling. Peter says we “are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.” Verse 5.
We should not trust in ourselves or our environment when being tried, but in God, who gave us life, and in whom our hope of eternal life must be found. He has given us a knowledge of the way of life as revealed in his Word, and has also given us a disposition to receive his instruction in our hearts and carry it out in our lives. For these things we should thank and praise him, and hold fast to the blessings already ours.
If we are in heaviness through manifold temptations, we can know that it is only “for a season.” When the lesson is learned, when faith has been fully exercised and developed, the joy of victory is ours. Then we can say with Peter, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” Verses 3, 4.
Job’s trials came as a result of Satan’s efforts to overthrow him. God regarded him as one that was upright, fearing God and eschewing evil. He knew that the efforts of Satan would not destroy him, but rather make his faith in God stronger. Job said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Job 13:15. “When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10. And so it may be with all that seek full conformity to the will of God.