Do Christians have trials?

Words cannot describe the peace and joy possessed by him who takes God at His word. Trials do not disturb him, slights do not vex him. Self is crucified. Day by day his duties may become more taxing, his temptations stronger, his trials more severe; but he does not falter; for he receives strength equal to his need.”  The Youth’s Instructor, June 26, 1902.

Do Christians have trials? Someone once said, you never feel the current’s strength until you try paddling upstream. When you walk  with Jesus instead of the world, you’re going to feel the current. You might even be tempted to give up and just sit on the sidelines. Can I tell you a story of a man who finally got up from the sidelines?

            We don’t know how it happened, whether it was something he did, or not, that eventually led him to just sit off on the side. I’m sure he had some real things to complain about, even reasons to consider himself a failure. His present condition was not something one would brag about. He was after all a beggar. But then again, he was also blind. Its terrible how this world of sin effects those born into it isn’t it. What hope was there for him now? Well, he actually had one hope, but only one. He had heard about a Man, filled with compassion, who healed the sick. But how does a blind man go about finding Someone he can’t even see and doesn’t know? Not an easy task, unless that Man is looking for you and comes to you.

Sure enough, as he heard a large commotion in the crowd one day, he asked what it was about. Jesus was coming was the answer. This was his opportunity. But when he cried out for Jesus’ help, the crowd – maybe even his friends – kept telling him to be quiet. Some friends huh. Persistence is a virture when properly directed. And Bartimeus was determined to be very, very persistent, and vocal, Jesus was near!

Jesus heard that plea for help – He always does. And when Jesus stopped, the crowd stopped; when Jesus commanded that Bartimeus be brought to Him, they stopped telling Bartimeus to be quiet. They finally got on track with the right message for him. Cheer up, Stand up, Jesus is calling you!

Mark 10:48-52  “Then many warned him to be quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  49 So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He is calling you.”  50 And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus.  51 So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.”  52 Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.” (See also Luke 18:35-43, and Matt 20:29-34)

            Jesus is still searching and calling for followers today. He understand that things have happened in your life. Some by your choice, some simply because you live in a world of sin. We are people who have real needs and hurts. Needs and hurts that Jesus can and wants to heal today just as effectively as when He lived on earth. He wants to mold and fashion disciples who will do what’s right, who will love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).

Jesus called you and you responded. Thats why you’re a part of our RPH family. When you contemplate your lot in life, and the responsibilities of being a godly Christian, or of godly leadership in the home and church, you may have your moments of feeling inadequate – perhaps even times when people tell you to be quiet and you just want to sit on the sidelines. But remember – Cheer Up, Stand Up, Jesus is Calling YOU, to even greater heights for Him, in the home and here at RPH. So be persistent, call on Jesus while He is near; those Jesus calls, He also equips.

“Not only is physical sight restored, but the eyes of his understanding are opened. In Christ he sees his Redeemer, and the Sun of Righteousness shines into his soul. All who feel their need of Christ as did blind Bartimeus, and who will be as earnest and determined as he was, will, like him, receive the blessing which they crave.”  Sons and Daughters of God 126.3