A Biblical Understanding of Trials - Part One

A Biblical Understanding of Trials

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

What is the Purpose of Trials?

A trial is the process of proving the quality or worth of something or someone. Trials are tests of your faith, patience or endurance through the process of suffering.

Three primary Greek words are translated as "trial" in the New Testament. Each has a slightly different emphasis in meaning, yet they all reveal God's purpose for trials and suffering.

Dokimion... proven faith - A testing trial in which your faith is proved genuine. - "These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:7)

Purosis... refined character - A fiery trial through which your character is refined, as gold is refined (implies suffering). - "Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Peirasmos... tested commitment - trial or temptation through which the quality of your commitment is tested.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

God Meant if for Good - Genesis 37-50

Wherever he went, young Joseph incited resentment and jealousy. This favored child of Jacob needed refining, and it was no wonder that his brothers determined to do away with him after he bragged that one day they would bow down to him (see Genesis 37:5-11). Joseph's story illustrates how God smooths the rough edges of our character by various trials and testings that build confidence in His purpose and provision for us.

The sands of abrasion were very real in Joseph's life, for God used his trials of rejection and suffering and years of undeserved punishment to soften him. Joseph's self-centered spirit was replaced with compassion even for those who had tried to harm him (see Genesis 45:8-11). More importantly, Joseph learned to trust God. His most powerful pronouncement was made when he told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

"The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:10)

What are Some Truth About Trials?

Trials are experienced by everyone. - Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Trials have a divine purpose. - "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Trials last only for a while. - "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." (1 Peter 1:6)

Trials are controlled by God. - "God... will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Trials strengthen you in your weaknesses. - "I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Trials come with God's grace for endurance. - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

What Process is Possible During Trials?

Little apple seeds that grow into large apple trees go through a process of change. A process is marked by a series of natural, gradual changes that lead toward an end result. This is exactly what God has in mind when He allows trials to enter your life. If, like the seed, you are willing to die to self, God will begin a process in you that can result in great spiritual growth.

"Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (John 12:24)

The Process ... In the Psalms

Trials turn you to God. - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?' These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:1-6)

Trials bring God to you. - "You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." (Psalm 10:17)

Trials motivate you to cry out to God. - "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me." (Psalm 142:1-3)

Trials lead to personal examination. - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

Trials draw you back to God's will. - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." (Psalm 119:67)

Trials draw you to God's Word. - "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." (Psalm 119:71)

Trials produce a hatred of sin. - "Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin." (1 Peter 4:1)

Trials produce a heart of humility. - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." (Psalm 126:5)

How Do You Handle Critics???

A monk joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first 10 years, his superior called him in and asked, "Do you have anything to say?” The monk replied, "Food bad.” After another 10 years, the monk again had an opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, "Bed hard.” Another 10 years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, "I quit.” "It doesn't surprise me a bit. You have done nothing but complain ever since you got here."

John Mason in You’re Born An Original, Don’t Die A Copy, writes, “You can always spot a failure by the way he criticizes success. Those who can – do. Those who can not – criticize. Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it in the first place. If it were not for the doers, the critics would soon be out of business. Envy provides the mud that failures throw at success. Whoever criticizes to you will criticize about you. If someone belittles you, he is only trying to cut you down to his size.”

So, How Does One Handle The Critics?

One should listen to it & evaluate the merit of it. - Evaluate the merit of the criticism independent of the person: Is the critic accurate? Do they have a legitimate concern? Often this involves time of speculation and prayer. This is why it is good to surround yourself with godly people who can help you with this process. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—“ (Proverbs 1:5 NIV)

Secondly, look at the source of the criticism. - What is their intent? Do they have an agenda in mind? Are they chronic complainers? “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” (Proverbs 20:11 NIV)

Finally, determine if action should be taken, whether it be a change or an apology. - Correction and self-control will lead you through life.” (Proverbs 6:23b)

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who does actually try to do the deed; who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause; who are the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

April 10th, 1899, Theodore Roosevelt

Two Important Words!

Two Very Important Words!

A while back, I picked up a book called Heart at Work compiled by Jack Canfield & Jacqueline Miller. In the book, Steve Wilson tells the story of Norman Guitry was giving a lecture to group of freshman students preparing for service in the Mental Health field. What he said was remarkable:

"Everything you need to know about mental heath can be summed up in only two words. Ninety-five percent of the mental health problems we deal with today could be eliminated if everyone would practice this two word prescription, if everyone would live by these two words."

What are the two words?? Don't Belittle

He went on, "Don't belittle. Don't put people down. Don't make anyone feel small. Don't be judgmental or critical in ways that diminish another people's sense of themselves. Most of the problems of crime and abuse, academic failures, problems between bosses and workers, broken homes and addictions can be traced to low self-esteem. Don't belittle. Remember it. Teach it. Live it."

What Does The Bible Have To Say About This?

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE IN OTHERS - You will find what you are looking for everytime!
"Keep your mind on what is true, pure, right, holy friendly and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

LIFT UP AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER - Treat People the way that you want them to treat you! "You must encourage and help each other!" 1 Thessalonians 5:11

SPEAK WORDS THAT HELP AND HEAL RATHER THAN WORDS THAT HURT AND DESTROY. Words do matter! Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal." Proverbs 12:18

"Words Can Bring Death or Life! Talk too much and you will eat everything you say! Proverbs 18:21 (CEV)

Use your words wisely today! Build Up Others! Are you using your words to build others up or tear someone down?

Right or Wrong? That is the Question!

How many times, usually while watching the evening news, have you asked yourself the question, “How could they not know what they were doing was wrong?” It is amazing how seemingly wise and sane people can be blinded or demonstrate such a disregard for doing what is right.

How do you determine what is right and wrong? Years ago, Harry Emmerson Fosdick, professor at Union Theological Seminary, developed a formula that helped him determine right from wrong. It is incredibly practical as we struggle with that same challenge today.

Six Ways To Tell Right From Wrong

The Common Sense Test - Are you simply being foolish? How would you judge someone else if they did the same thing? “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2 NIV

The Sportsmanship Test - Are you playing fair? How would you feel if someone else did the same thing to you? If it is not right for everyone, it is probably not right for anyone. “Treat others the way you would want them to treat you.” Matthew 7:12 CEV

The Best Self-Test - Are you trying to be the best that you can be? Will it help you become a better person? “Work hard at whatever you do.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 CEV

The Publicity Test - If everyone knew what you were doing, would you still do it? It is surprising how the light of public knowledge changes our perspective and our behavior. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV

The Most Admired Person Test – Would the person you most admired do this? If you told that person about it, would you feel proud or ashamed? “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NIV

The Foresight Test – What can possibly go wrong? Could you live with the consequences? “Do not brag about tomorrow! Each day brings its own surprises.” Proverbs 27:1 CEV

Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. William Penn

So ... I'm Worried I May Be Worrying too Much......

First - the good news - Most people who worry are usually the more intelligent among us. (smile) You see, worry is just the misuse of a creative imagination filling our minds with "What if's." And usually, the more intelligent you are, the more creative you can be, the more "options" you dream up to worry about. So, if you aren't very intelligent ... uh ... don't worry about it. (smile)

So ... assuming you are intelligent ... let's think our way through this with a little logic. Think for a second ...

40% of what we worry about will never happen.
30% of the stuff we worry about has already happened ... and we can't change any of that
12% is needless health worries .... (I have a head ache ... thus I must have a brain tumor)
10% is worrying about what people think of us... (really ... since when can we really control that?)
8% - what we have left over for legitimate worries.

So .... We spend most of the time so worrying about the 92% we are so paralyzed by fear we can't deal with the 8% that matters! It can be exhausting worrying about all those things you have absolutely no control over whatsoever!!!

Now some people say they worry so much they just can't focus on that "illusive" 8%. Well ... isn't worry at it core focus? When we worry ... don't we focus in - laser in - rollover in our minds - that which we are worried (focused) about?

So .... if worrying is focusing on the the wrong things .... then what is the opposite of worry?

Class? Hello? Bueler ... Bueler .... Bueler ....

How about Thankfulness - Gratitude - Appreciation? Worrying is focusing on what "may" go wrong - thankfulness is focusing on what "has" gone right.

Now then ... what about the 8%???? What do we do with that? Stick our head in the sand?? Nope - Faith is looking at the 8% square in the eyes and trusting that God will. God will what? Yes. God will provide. God will care. God will lead. God just will. That is having faith that God will do what He says.

So .... Where is your focus? On what might go wrong? or What has gone and is going right? And ... how is your faith quotient? When you look at the 8% of legitimate stuff - do you really thing God will keep His word? Or do you worry that it is all up to you? (smile)

EXERCISE: Take the first 10 minutes of your day - each day for the rest of your week - get a pencil and pad and write down (DON'T JUST THINK) the things that are right in your life. What you have to be thankful for. First of all ... you have internet access ... (WHOO HOO) ... probably 80% of the world doesn't. Second of all you are well fed .. (some of you more well than others ... ah hem) ... you eat better than 95% of the people in the world. You had a bed last night with AC (most of you) ... billions didn't. You have a spouse that loves/tolerates you? There are some reading this right now that would love that. Should I go on???? Or do you get the picture? So take a few minutes in the morning ... start your list. (No Bragging .... "I am thankful for my 2010 Corvette and my Supermodel Wife! ... grin)

So how bout it boys and girls????

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Matthew 6:25-34
Adapted from "The Noticer" by Andy Andrew

American Idol - Danny Gokey - Letting Go

I don’t know how many of you are American Idol Fans – but there is one competitor, Danny Gokey who is in the top five. He is a church music director. A few months ago, he lost his wife in a heart surgery very unexpectedly. He posted this on his “MySpace page” and I truly feel it is worth passing along.

Letting Go": Necessary Steps in Moving Forward. - Danny Gokey

One lesson I’ve learned from children that has had tremendous power in my life is “letting go”. If you have ever had to intervene in a bout between two children fighting over a toy, you'll notice the emotions running high, tears streaming down each child's face, and their precious hearts torn from what was perceived in their eyes as a huge conflict. After you correct them and settle the situation, within five minutes they have already restored their relationship between their former foe and are having even more fun than previously before the fight. Their hearts have not yet accepted or entertained the idea of depositing the seeds of bitterness or anger.

A child exercises the ability to let go of the hurtful situation and they move forward in their relationship with one another in life (notice how they always enjoy life because they don't harbor harmful emotions). I've noticed in my life that when my heart has gripped around a certain hurtful situation from the past, it hinders me from being able to move forward and fully enjoy living.

The most relevant situation that I can share with you is when my wife passed away. The emotions from losing my spouse were overwhelming, not to mention all the previous years of doctors visits, hospital stays, and the hardest thing of all having to watch my wife cry at times because of the pain. This all led up to the final outcome. Doctors told me she only had a 10% chance of dying during this operation and I felt we exhausted our options financially, spiritually, physically, and medically yet nothing worked. I was shocked from the sudden loss and left with the hounding questions: “why me” and “why her”, with an overwhelming pit of despair. Through that situation I became vulnerable to emotions I didn't want but barely resisted because of my analytical mind trying to reason every little detail. Bitterness, anger and resentment began to fill my mind and started to take root in my heart, which launched me into a 3 month deep depression. You see, I know many people would say that is normal. I do believe this is true within a certain balance, but I know in my heart of hearts what I was going through was not normal. I felt like I had to put on a face for everybody to cover what was really going on inside. Deep down inside, I felt there was not hope for me and I really wanted to die. If I had not dealt with this, it probably could have somehow or someway took me out. So, I began pray and cry out to God for help and I believe I found the answer.

The answer I found was exactly this; "let go" or "cause yourself to let go". I admit that answer was not appealing to me because I found no justice in it, and most of all it didn't instantly remove any pain. But I knew that if I continued down this road it would have a price that I could never afford to pay. You see, the cost of hanging on to the bitterness and anger was actually much greater than the cost of simply letting go. I was very reluctant to do it. At times it was hard and I literally had to cause myself (force myself) to let go. Letting go doesn't mean forgetting about Sophia but does mean releasing the toxic emotions tied to the situation. However, I can tell you today that I am able to enjoy life more and I'm grabbing hold of new opportunities that would have otherwise been lost. I’m not buried in my bed under my sheets at home being angry at the world and God, but I’m in the stages of healing because my heart is not bound by resentment. I’m able to see how her life and heart can touch countless others through this foundation and other avenues in her honor.

I’m an advocate of protecting the heart. Your heart is your real set of eyes. What I mean by that is that if your heart has become evil through seeds of anger and hate, you will interpret life and every person’s actions through those negative eyes. A person might come shake your hand and compliment you at work, and your heart might analyze what they have done as having some kind of hidden motive or agenda. You might spend countless hours wondering why they’re out to get you. On the other hand, if you have a pure heart you would shake your co-workers hand, accept their compliment and be touched by their kindness.

When I let go, that is when I was able move forward. The doorway to your future and destiny is only big enough for you to walk through, not you and your past. Past and future don't mix. It’s either one or the other. If you hold on to your past, your future will only be revisiting that past over and over again. I know it seems hard and it’s not the answer you might want to hear, but take it from someone who has been there. I can tell you, it has been 1,000 times better to just let go than it was to hang on and demand answers and justice. So many families are torn apart because of people’s unwillingness to let go by forgiving and forgetting. Many people tend to think that terrible situations and terrible relationships will somehow fix themselves. They think that emotions of anger and unforgiveness will bring about justice; yet scientific studies link those emotions to many harmful diseases, which often lead to an early death.

I've made a choice to be free. I've made a choice to cherish and be thankful for the wonderful times I shared with Sophia. It’s not easy. Some mornings I'll wake up and be plagued with anger and sadness, yet I CHOOSE to release those emotions and I CHOOSE to exercise gratefulness, which always makes for a better day. With that powerful principal, I was able to remove from my heart the roots and growth planted by the seeds of bitterness, and I allowed the seeds of thankfulness and joy take its place. Soon, I believe it won’t be as much of a battle because my heart will only harvest and cultivate those attributes.

I strongly urge you to examine your life, release and let go once and for all those things that have held you back. It could be a harmful self-image, disappointments, setbacks, wrong relationships or anything else that hold you in the pit of your past and keeps you from embracing your present and future. Become like a child and don't let your heart hang on to those things, but let it always bounce back with new hopes and second chances. The best is yet to come for you! Believe it, it’s yours for the taking!

Have a Blessed Day and be careful what you hold on too.

Mark

Kuna Indian Chief

Choices

Just some thoughts after preaching a 17 year old's Funeral.