Our Trials by C. M. WILLIS

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 4, 1866

Our Trials.

By C. M. WILLIS

No one can expect to travel the journey of life through this unfriendly world without meeting with crosses. We never had a promise given of anything else. But we are very apt to overrate our trials. And very many of them arise from the stubbornness of our own unsubdued wills. We frequently hear people complaining, and sighing, “Oh my trials, my trials!; my burdens are greater than I can bear!” when they would come nearer to the real truth, were they to exclaim, “Oh my stubborn will; I cannot feel it best to patiently resign my all to the will of God!” At least, one-half the sting is gone the moment we school our hearts to bear them patiently, and make the best of ills we cannot cure. The real burden lies more in our unwillingness to be resigned to our lot, and our anxiety to order our own affairs as seemeth best to us, than in the real trial itself. The human mind is so constituted, that unless it is disciplined to appreciate the enjoyments of the present moment, they are apt to be overlooked, in our eagerness to secure something better in the dim, uncertain future. Could we learn a lesson from Paul, to be content with such things as we have; we should see numberless sources of pleasure on every hand, pleasure unenjoyed, because unnoticed, and therefore unappreciated. It would be a great help toward bearing crosses patiently, if we could always keep the fact before our eyes, that fretting and worrying never made a burden which we already have, any lighter; or ever secured the possession of a coveted enjoyment any sooner, or enhanced its value, when secured. We build castles in the air, gorgeous ones too; lined with gold, and bedecked with diamonds, and people them with fanciful beings of perfection, and then sigh and mourn because stern reality comes so far short of our wild, weird fancies. It seems meaningless and devoid of interest, to take a common-sense, practical view of our own future.

We know that others have had trials ever since the fall, and acknowledge this to be a vain world; we can see crosses in the pathway of those around us, but fail to realize that any exist for us until they are upon us; and then we wonder why we are afflicted, and let our minds dwell upon them and sink under them, till the mole-hill assumes the magnitude of a mountain. We desire ease, we seek for wealth, we covet fame, we nourish pride, we foster ambition, we cherish envy, malice, discontent, each and all of them sources of unhappiness; in fact, we strive for the prize in every manner but the lawful one, and then sigh and mourn because we cannot obtain it. Do we desire ease? Let us seek that which is incorruptible. Do we covet fame? Let us learn to seek that honor that cometh from above. We may cultivate contentment, by considering that for every bad, there might be a worse; and when we have a blessing removed, we may still be content, by appreciating more highly those that are left.

But many times it is dangerous to our spiritual welfare, to have our wishes gratified. Read the record which the Psalmist bears of the children of Israel. Psa. cvi. Speaking of the dealings of God with them and their murmurings against him, he witnesseth “that he gave them their requests, but sent leanness into their souls.” Who has not at times seen and felt this truth verified, both by their own experience, and the experience of others? Therefore, I again repeat, there is danger in having our worldly desires granted. This does not extend to spiritual affairs. We cannot ask too much, or receive too much of spiritual blessings. And even if the dangers extended to them, I fear most of us would have to arouse ourselves mightily, before we were exposed to them. We would incur the risk much sooner, in a worldly point of view.

Do not understand me to say there is no need of trials, or that they can all be avoided, though doubtless many can; trials are needful, and must be expected. But I do know they may be aggravated, by dwelling too much upon them. And I also know that they may be greatly relieved, by casting them on the Lord, and patiently biding his own good time. Could we have them all removed, and our wishes all granted, leanness of soul would assuredly follow, and in the end we sustain a great loss—even God’s approbating smile, eternal life, immortal glory. Ah! what mind that comprehends this great truth, but shrinks back appalled at the consequences! Could we but realize the importance and uses of trials, we should soon cease praying for their removal; but our most earnest prayer would be, “Thy will, O God, be done.” God grant that our eyes may be opened to see that his ways are the best ways.

C. M. WILLIS.

Charlotte, Mich.