We all face trials, I'd say we all know that. James, as I've mentioned before, says to choose ahead of time how you will respond when those trials come. And quite honestly, if you want to see how the "men are separated from the boys" or "women from the girls", watch how people respond when bad times hit.
I've had the privilege to witness the potential responses, both in my own personal life and in others. I'd love to say I've always done well, and if you believe that, well, as they say, I have a bridge for sale in Brooklyn. The truth is, we can strive to grow, and grow, and grow, and you know what, when we do, we get better and better at facing trials, even if they get bigger and harder.
Boys and girls will turn to vices (drugs, alcohol, gambling, fornication, etc.), and will do so secretly, privately, while scrutinizing others while they do. Children tend to shirk responsibility, because they tend to not want people to see what's beneath the veneer. When "caught," fleeing is the typical first response. Appearance is crucial and the Bible makes clear reference to God's distaste for such behavior. Sadly, this response is greatly on display among so-called believers today. But such a reaction is actually contrary to the fruit one would expect to see that flows from salvation
David is confronted by Nathan.
Ananias and Sapphira are confronted by the apostles.
David responds by turning to the Lord.
Ananias and Sapphira respond by pretending, by lying to God, with tragic results.
Christian men and women seek the Lord, in prayer, in His Word, and do not try to force God's hand as to what He is actually saying and doing. It takes maturity to respond this way, and it's not easy. Then again, it's not easy to grow up, if you are honest about it. It also takes other mature believers to come along side those hurting, and when it would be easy to judge, they offer a caring and comforting alternative to the typical response of the world around them. They listen, they pray with them, they share that painful burden, and in all truth, it is a privilege when we get to bear one another's burdens.
If you are like me, you know someone who is hurting, who might think others don't care, and who may be afraid to say much, based on how they have seen others respond to them previously. Hopefully, we all know some hurting people who are doing the right thing, taking their complaint to the Lord, because He hears, He knows, and He cares.
Christians, it's time for the mature among us to stand up, to encourage the children to grow up, and, to the best of our ability, respond well in the face of trials. It's hard, and when it gets hard, you have a choice. Face the trial, or bury it and simply play the part. Mature believers, and more importantly, God can tell who does which, and those mature believers become life-long friends and confidants. Praise God for them! I do. I know. I've learned who will stand in support, and who will write me off when difficulty arises.
Want encouragement? Read Psalm 51 as David deals with his sin. It should bring a tear, if you realize why it was written, and how his heart was broken over his sin.
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Holding Fast to the Name of our Creator
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