OTHER USES OF TRIALS by M. C. W.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 28, 1888

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 14, No. 50.

OTHER USES OF TRIALS.

By M. C. W.

ONE of the uses of trials, to which we referred last week, is to reveal to us the imperfections and defects of our character. We may not know what lusts lurk in our sinful flesh, until tested. If the temptation is resisted, the lust is crucified, the victory is ours. But if we fall, the trial may be a benefit in that it has revealed the "weak spot" in our character. Henceforth, by watchfulness and faith in that strength which Christ alone can give, "out of weakness" we may be "made strong." Heb. 11: 34.

There are other trials which do not come to those defective in character. If they are defective, they never reveal it by being overcome by the trial. Such a trial was brought to Abraham when the messenger of the Lord said to him: "Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of." Gen. 22: 2.

Whether the enemy of all good suggested to the loving father's heart that the message was only evil, or unreal, we know not. This we know, it was sufficiently evident to Abraham that the command was from God. If he was assailed by doubts, his acts showed it not. We know that his human feelings must have suffered. His bright boy of promise to be slain by his own hand! What a night must have been that first one after the message was delivered!

How feeling would prompt him to linger! How, day after day, as he journeyed by the side of his loved boy, was his heart wrung with anguish unspeakable! And during the silent nightwatches of the journey between his home and Mount Moriah, with the son of promise by his side, what agonized prayers must have escaped to God for grace and strength to endure and obey! And strength was granted, and faith triumphed over such a trial as mortal never knew. And that great example of simple faith in God has shone out from the sacred page through all past centuries, to cheer, encourage, and confirm the faltering hearts of God's people as they were met with the terrible trials of life. It brought God's blessing to Abraham, but its great purpose was doubtless the blessing it has been and will be to others.

God thus manifested the power of faith in Paul. He was not only chosen to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, but said the Lord to Ananias, "I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake." Acts 9: 16. And Paul knew that this was his lot, knew that wherever he might go, "bonds and afflictions" waited for him. Acts 20: 23. A list of some of these trials and persecutions is given in the eleventh chapter of 2 Corinthians. Was it pleasurable to his physical feelings? Did not the flesh cry out for more ease? Did it not cost him struggles? Listen to his own words:—

"I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air; but I keep under my body [press down, discipline, beat my body], and bring it into subjection." 1 Cor. 9: 26, 27. "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 2 Cor. 4: 8, 9.

These passages, and many others which might be given, show something of the terrible trials through which the apostle passed. He wrote them, not to complain; on the contrary, they are inspired by the Spirit of God for our benefit, to show how faith has, and therefore can, triumph over all trials, till these great trials, from an earthly standpoint, become to the child of faith the "light affliction, which is but for a moment" and which "worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." 2 Cor. 4: 17.

Now all these afflictions were not for the apostle alone. If that had been their sole purpose, they never would have been recorded. But God overruled the great apostle's life, and his Spirit inspired its record for the benefit of the children of God who should meet trials in the future. This is one of the purposes which God has in permitting such sore trials on his faithful ones. They show us the power of divine grace, and the triumph of simple faith over all earthly affliction, and they especially fit the one who bears them to be a help to others. It is to this object of trials that the apostle refers in the following comforting passage:—

"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, we our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." 2 Cor. 1: 3-6.

And these precious assurances ought to lead us to that One who not only suffered great afflictions, but "was in all points tempted [tried] like as we are," who was made "in all things . . . like unto his brethren." The grace and consolation which come from Christ infinitely abound above the afflictions and trials. Then, afflicted soul, learn the lesson which the trial through grace is designed to teach. If the trial still remain, bear it patiently, hopefully, for Christ's sake, and thus will be manifested through you the power of God's grace, and the beauty of simple faith. You will reap its fruitage when you are glorified with Christ.