It has been a hard couple of months for my family. We have had to replace our ducted heating system—leaving us without heat for two weeks in the middle of winter—and two windows, we've fixed two plumbing leaks, replaced an electrical fuse that had blown up and rendered half of our power points useless and repaired our new oven after the thermostat died. We also had to buy my dad new glasses, get one of our cars serviced and take my cat to the vet.
While these events probably don't seem anywhere near the trouble that Job experienced, it placed a huge strain on my family. We were stressed, money strapped and exhausted. Each time we got something fixed, something else broke. Throw into the mix some mental health issues and the winter lurgy and it became almost unbearable.
Times of trial
Job was tested by God to see how strong his faith was in the face of total destruction. I can't imagine the pain he went through but he maintained his faith in God the entire time. This doesn't mean he didn't question God...it just means he didn't give up on God.
Time and time again people questioned his behaviour, telling him that he was being punished for being a sinner. And time and time again, Job refused their claims. He knew he hadn't sinned. He knew he was being tested and trialled by God.
God does a similar thing to all of his children. Again and again he will test our faith. Sometimes we bow under the pressure, crying out for Him to save us. Sometimes we rise to the challenge becoming stronger in character, emotions and spirit. The big question is how do you survive the challenge when your heart is ready to bow under the pressure?
One of the things I detest is when people say "Cheer up, it's not that bad!" This makes my blood boil. How do you know how bad it is? People will often look at your circumstances through the lens of their own experiences. Something that is merely an anthill to one person is Mt Everest to another. Don't assume that the person's situation is easy for them to overcome just because it is for you.
We must have sympathy for others and pray with or for them. Most of the time people just need to know you are there for them and that you believe in their ability to withstand God's trials.
Tips for coping with a time of trial
If it is you going through the trial there are a couple of things you can do. The most important thing is to maintain your faith in God. Tell him how the trial is making you feel, but when you have done so, listen to what God wants you to know. God will always provide us with the strength and the tools to overcome any task or trial he presents to us.
The second most important thing is to maintain contact with your friends, family and church. Let people know you're having a rough time and be gracious in accepting their help, whether that's in home-cooked meals delivered, prayer or a support team helping you through. It does not make you weaker to ask for or accept help. This is why God puts us in contact with his children.
The third thing is to never give up. These trials will not last forever, no matter how long they seem to drag on. You've heard the expression 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. I like a slightly edited version: 'what doesn't kill you, makes you more like Christ'.
Never give in!
Emma is a full-time admin worker with a passion for Christ and an interest in reading, writing and music.
Emma Seabrook's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/emma-seabrook.html