Trial Date

No one truly likes trials, be it the court of law, family court, traffic court or the trials of life. As a matter of fact, the scriptures declare the trial mandate for Christians and believers of God will strengthen our spiritual resolve. However true this declaration has proven, I'm not convinced I will ever have an affinity for enduring the hardships of trials or tribulations. Though the benefits are worth its weight in gold, human nature thrives by comfortability and familiarity. Who wouldn't rather awaken to positive vibes, good reports, and green lights all the way to work? Or, even have an eighty-five percent daily rate of positive interactions. No raving lunatics cutting you off in traffic, or nasty associates manning the register at your neighborhood businesses.

Newsflash, even non-believers have to endure the negative with the positive day-to-day hoopla! Which brings me to the topic of trials and why it's so important to define, endure and process our trial dates. Unfortunately, we don't have the luxury of keeping a calendar handy to remind us of these unrelenting mandates. It's imperative to remain diligent and prepared for seasons of uncertainty. It's as though the sky opens up and an out pouring of trouble rains on the happiest of days. The context of a bad day becomes indiscernible and hopeless.

Defining the cause of chaotic episodes is futile and time-consuming. You know the "why is this happening to me," rants at the private pity-party. Most times our season of unexplained hardship may be the debt we owe for past transgressions or the consequences of sin. God has a way of setting our souls in order to deliver us from our corruptible selves. Here's a throwback scenario; "your income tax check is garnished due to your student loan being in default." Oh, the devastation is real, and we cry foul! Yet, when we had the opportunity to setup a payment plan, we procrastinated the callback and never sent back the application. Is this a trial; NO! Absolutely not. The bible declares; "trials works patience, and patience experience." The irrefutable means of strengthening our spirit man is not or should be viewed as punishment, but rather earthly enrichment. When we know to do good, and do good then our good days will outweigh our bad days during our trial dates.

Endurance during impossible situations is one of the hardest feats to accomplish. How can one endure working an 8-12 hour day when they've just suffered the loss of a loved one or delivered an eviction notice? You pace your feelings, one breath at a time while seeking a God that grieves with us, and understands our broken hearts. We seek refuge in God's Word and lean on those friends, loved ones or our spouses who are assigned to endure assigned battles as co-partners and interceding warriors. It takes a strong will to begin the healing process while rehabbing difficult transitions. It takes prayer, not ceremonial or repetitive quips but earnest heartfelt and real communication with Jesus. We all differ in how we approach a "bad day," or a difficult choice. However, we can all experience the same encounter with a loving God who truly cares. Whether you feel all warm and fuzzy or just recognize the supernatural strength to proceed, though your heart may feel weary you can still make it!

And finally processing the fact none are exempt from the will of God. We must all bear a season of burdens, darkness, uncertainty, and hardship. However knowing that we will reap a "bountiful harvest," of tried and true wisdom to endure the next season, and to share our testimony with someone else who may be confronted with the same hardship or trial. There's nothing more loving than to warn, encourage or strengthen a broken heart with a "how I got over," testimony. Trials come, and trials go. But Jesus will never leave us comfortless.

May Will (7/17