The Benefit Of Trials
Ron and Cathy, dear friends of my daughter and her husband, just welcomed their fourth child into their family Colton was born about four weeks early, but all seemed well. For a while, that is.
A few hours after he was born, the trial began. A nurse expressed concern that Colton might have Down’s syndrome and the doctor ordered tests to confirm or deny her suspicions.
For three days, differing opinions from doctors and nurses held Ron and Cathy in the sway of emotions between fear and hope.
When the results came in, their dread became reality. Their pre-cious new baby did have Down’s.
“Consider it pure joy” seems a cruel command in the face of such pain. What can it mean?
I don’t think that God expects us to feel joyful when difficulties occur. Our natural and automatic response to the pain of trials is to feel sad or shocked, fearful, confused, disappointed, or a combination of these emotions.
But after some time has passed and understanding of the challenges we face has sunk in, then we may be able to step back and view our situation from God’s perspective.
Pain is still present, and we still entreat God to intervene in ways that make life right again. But we are willing to reflect on what James meant when he began his letter with this command.
One of the most comforting truths about our relationship with God is that he is with us. We do not face our trials alone but walk with the Creator of the universe, who can supernaturally change our perspective. Awareness of his presence can begin to move us from fear to godly peace.
Once we are aware of his presence, we find our belief strengthened. We do not demand that our circumstances change, but we believe that God’s love will infuse our sadness.
God’s touch will soften the blow we have endured and move us from questioning Why? to asking How?
Little Colton is six months old now and each day brings new challenges mixed with hopeful progress. Ron and Cathy explain their feelings this way:
“When we were given Colton’s diagnosis, of course, we went through the gamut of negative emotions: anger, grief, sadness, depression, fear, resentment, disbelief, and helplessness.
We cried out to God. ‘Lord we love you, how can you do this to our son?’ We accused God of being mean and cruel.
“But through all of our tears, God was faithful to whisper to us in his still, small voice. ‘I did this that I might be glorified.’ His Holy Spirit soon redirected our grief into faith.
Faith that He was in control. Faith that He loved Colton even more than we did. Faith that He can and indeed would heal our son.”
I know that many tears still fall and many tough times lie ahead for this family, but I know also that their faith prevails.
They have had little time to adjust to the shock of this baby’s condition and have moved from panic to awareness of God’s goodness.
They are learning how God wants them to live instead of focusing on why this happened.
Friends and pastors visit, people offer prayers, and God’s Spirit weaves mysteriously within Ron and Cathy and the family of faith who surround them. And joy surfaces.
Father, we are so grateful that your Spirit invades our lives and touches our most painful emotions with your peace. Help us to be receptive to your transforming presence.