The Purpose Of Trial
Concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul has written: “Though he were
a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Heb.
5:8). If the Lord himself suffered because of his obedience to God
through the tremendous trials he endured throughout his life, how much
more the need for such pressure in our lives. In fact without
tribulation, we would not learn the obedience of faith (Romans 16:26),
and cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). Faith and obedience reveal their
quality when put to the test. Again, the apostle Peter directs
attention to the Lord Jesus Christ in that he “suffered for us, leaving
us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Peter 3:21). In
like fashion, James would have us remember the “example” of others –
“Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the
Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold,
we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of
Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful,
and of tender mercy.” (James 5:10-11).
In this article I wish to draw to remembrance the necessity for
trial in our lives. It is a prerequisite before entrance unto the
Kingdom; for trial is intended to develop a character pleasing to our
heavenly Father, that we might become fit vessels to bring honour to
the Name of Yahweh.
Though we will not consider individual examples in these particular
studies, we will address the general principle of trial as revealed in
the word. In order to impact our minds, we will accompany the
scripture quotations with some brief comments from Bro. Roberts, found
in the book entitled Letters to the Elect of God in a time of trouble
(available from Logos publications). Therein, letters written by bro.
Roberts to his fellow servants have been complied to comfort them in
the difficulties of life. These comments will serve well for every
saint in any generation. Appropriately, Letters to the Elect contains
headings as: “How trouble moulds character”, “A source of comfort in
trouble”, “What trouble is designed to produce”, “The right way to view
trouble”, “Why the ecclesias are troubled”, and “God makes choice of
the humble”. We hope these comments, examined in their scriptural
setting, will stir our minds to appreciate the need for suffering in
our lives and encourage us to patiently bear up under the pressures of
life, awaiting the relief that our Lord will surely provide at his
coming.
Yours a fellow-servant in the vineyard.
Bro. Martin Barasa, Kiminini, Kenya
