In this brief discussion I would like to look at the different types of trials we go through. Their roots and their causes, and the reasons why we go through them. It is important for us to locate the nature and type of trial we go through, so we might know how to respond accordingly.
- Because of original sin, a part of the fall. It is clear we didn’t inherit a perfect world, but we were placed in a fallen one, so much of the trials we go through is because of the fallen world we live in. A person merely has to been into this world to face trouble. Job 5:7 NAS. For man is born for trouble, as the sparks fly upward. Much of the troubles on a physical plane we encounter are because we’ve been born into this fallen world and inherited this fallen condition. Such as Timothy who was often prone to physical infirmities, some of us have inherited similar deficiencies, and have to use wisdom on what we eat or drink. 1 Tim 5:23 ESV. No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.
To escape these problems a person would have to leave planet earth. It would be false, fraudulent, and unrealistic on our part to expect to be delivered completely from all these problems on this side of glory. It is a wishing for a utopia that doesn’t exist, until the Lord returns, our escape from these troubles will either come at death, or when we meet Him in the air. Rev 21:4 ESV He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
To claim healing from God, then eating and drinking things which aren’t healthy for me is also unrealistic. Paul genuinely cared for Timothy’s well being, and if Timothy didn’t heed Paul’s advice he would have been really sick. A lack of wisdom can be a big factor in our physical well-being.
2. There are certain trials we go through for righteousness sake, because we are serving the Lord, we become a target. Its important for us to know when this is happening, so we don’t get discouraged. Psalm 73:13 NASB. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence. This is sometimes how we feel, but its based on a subtle deception, that if I do good I can only always expect good. A disappointing prospect. In making certain stances for Christ you will face a definite kind of persecution. 2 Tim 3:12 NASB. Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Pet 2:8 ESV. For as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard.
3. There are trials and troubles that happen to us because of our own foolishness, disobedience and sin. These kind of troubles are used as correctional tools in our life, we have gone astray and we have been beaten up because of it. We are suffering. Yet God uses this kind of suffering for good. Psalm 119:67 NIV. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. The best way to deal with this kind of trial is to bear it patiently. 1 Pet 2:20 NIV But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and endure it, this is commendable before God. NIV. But even if we are suffering for our own sin, be encouraged and comforted by the fact God loves you, and doesn’t want you to remain in that sin, but he corrects you as his child. The bottom line is, we can serve Him in every situation whatever the nature of the trial.