How can we consider trial a great joy when it is an experience of affliction, suffering and failure? It is inevitable. All men will pass through experiences of suffering and trial. We are confronted not only with something impossible to overcome but also absurd. In the scripture Job underwent a total stripping of his possessions and esteem.
Why do we have to undergo trials or even temptations? Because it leads to us to humility and helps us to acknowledge our limitations and helplessness and at the same time acknowledge the mystery of God as Job did. Trial is the passage to God. It can lead us to an intimate relationship with Him and received gifts from the Holy Spirit such as sturdiness, endurance, especially discernment. But there is an obstacle for us to be faithful to the Lord during trials. The tempter makes us doubt about God’s faithfulness and love and presents us an easy way out. Faith leaves us and what is left is human intelligence and solution.
Christ is the answer to life’s trials because he underwent the same challenges in our flesh and came out victorious, trusting in the goodness of the Father. We can also be faithful through him. Facing trials with Christ has the capacity to make us pass from egoism to love. “Sufferings bring patience and patience brings perseverance and perseverance brings hope” (Rom. 5: 3-5).
