Facing Trials Candidly

James 1:2-4

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

There is a quaint little wooden bridge as you come up the road to our family camp house. It’s about 25 feet long, covering a simple winding trail of water. It would be a really great spot to take a camera and snap some amazing pictures. The only problem is whenever we cross it, I have to close my eyes. I can’t look at the beautiful things that surround it; I can only focus on the boards that are patched with asphalt and the feeling of impending doom that fill my stomach. That’s probably the most accurate picture I can give you of what’s been going on in my life the past few months.

Where do I begin? I feel like I am writing a friend that I haven’t spoken to in ten years. Candidly, I have had some major life events going on, and I have been so drained emotionally I have not had the energy to write. But I have to say in the midst of this valley time, I have had a constant God to hold my hand and gently guide me back to some semblance of sanity.  The most important lessons we learn in life often come from the most inconvenient test. Most of the time I can find solace in writing through my issues. But this time, I needed a different approach to deal with some unresolved grief. Praise God that we are more than conquerors in Christ. 

While I was on sabbatical, I was reminded that life, this life on earth, is fleeting, and that I spend entirely too much time holding on to things I need to let go. I learned that within my family, time and distance do not distort the love we have for one another. I learned first hand that money really changes people, and it’s rarely for the better.  Mostly, I learned that God really loves me. I was brought up thinking that we have to prove ourselves to God in order to stay in His good graces. I could never reconcile my sinful nature with the infinite perfection of God . But a preacher on television told me that while we cannot have faith without works, God loves us and quickly forgives our sin. He reminded me that I don’t have to beat myself up when I mess up; all I have to do is ask once, with a contrite heart, for forgiveness- then He throws my sin as far as the east is from the west. Ask once, it’s done. I wish so often I had that same loving nature.

 I am a big proponent of the idea that when we go through something, it is never for ourselves. We learn these lessons to pass on to someone else who will need the words we didn’t hear, the prayers that weren’t prayed for us, a sincere understanding that no one could offer us.

Going through trials is God’s way of preparing us for ministry. When we come out on the other side, we not only have a fresh reason to praise Him, we come out with a new piece of wisdom. My hope is that someday, my words will help someone not have to struggle through things the way I do (a matter of my own stubbornness). I am glad to serve a God who doesn’t meet you on the other side; He takes you by the hand and walks with you.

Hopefully next time I am facing a trial, I will remember that while the bridge seems unstable, I should be focusing on the beauty that surrounds it. Also, as my dad reminded me, even if the bridge falls, the water beneath is not that deep. (Thanks, Dad!)