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).
