Feb 04 – JOY – EVEN IN TRIALS!

 “….count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:3).

The examination is a fearsome experience for the students. They have to study their lessons putting a lot of efforts, keep them in memory and above all, the question paper for the examination should come out only with questions for which the answers are known. When one does not fare well in the exams, it causes great worry to the mind. Thus, the exams are never a happy experience for the students.

At the same time, if they realise that the examinations remain as a ladder for them to climb up to higher classes, it will provide them with happiness. When they score high marks in the exams, it gives joy to the student, the parents and the teachers. So, when there is a target, and when one attempts to achieve it, it gives happiness. May you praise God, for the glory that will come to you during the times of spiritual tests.

The Scripture says, “…..for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). The eyes of Jesus Christ foresaw the joy which lies beyond the tests. That is why He happily tolerated the sufferings on the Cross.

Edison, the scientist, was deaf, poet Milton was blind and devotee John Banyan had to undergo imprisonment, and indeed these were tests for them. These tests taught them patience. These tests turned them beneficial not only to themselves but also to others.

At times, you may also think why do we have these examinations and is it not possible for me to make progress without these examinations? For example, imagine this way. A boy is flying his kite. When it goes up, why should the boy control it holding the thread in his hands? The kite thinks that if the boy stops controlling, it could still fly more and touch the moon. At that time, the boy accidentally slips and leaves the hold of the thread. For a few seconds, the kite will feel happy at this but, in the next minute, it got stuck in a branch of a tree and became immobile. What a tragic end for it!

Dear children of God, there may be tests in your life. But there is protection for you until you are in the hands of God. When you are in His hands, you will look like gold after the tests.     

To meditate: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).