Blame is a common response to trial

  

Trials, inevitable to every individual, nonetheless come in every size and intensity.  Our fellow human beings in Japan are being subjected to an enormous burden that it difficult to imagine bearing.  Not only have thousands been ushered into eternity, but millions have been impacted in life-changing ways.  From threats of danger to subjection to daily privation and hardship, they are being severely tested.  Isn't it amazing to see how bravely and stoically they are responding?

It is hard to know how an individual or even a group will respond to the trials of life.  There are, however, some common reactions to be found.  Consider a few.

Some blame.  In the book of Job, there were several who responded to Job's crisis by turning to blame.  Job's wife blamed God.  Job's friends blamed Job.  Blame is a common response to trial.  One enduring a trial may blame other people and often they blame God.  Since there is hurt, they reason, someone must be to blame.  Yet, this does not solve the problem of trials.  It can lead to bitterness, loss of faith, and self-centeredness.

Some break.  This can take many forms.  It may be rebelliousness and sinful behavior or it may be a lost or damaged faith.  Satan believes that even the most seemingly faithful individuals, like Job, will break when subjected to severe enough trials (cf. Job 1:9-11).  Many do fall beneath the load of trials, lose their way or their trust, and let trials win over them.  It is understandable that trials would tempt us in this way, but this does not resolve the issue either.  It, too, misinterprets the cause and is ultimately hurtful to self and others.

Some bear.  How some bear up under the trials they face amazes me!  If you have seen the stories or footage of the Japanese standing in line for many hours waiting for a pittance of food or witnessed the lack of looting we are accustomed to expecting, you, too, have likely been touched at the brave, strong way a people has responded to the unimaginable circumstances they face.  I think of certain heroes of faith I have seen tackle their trials with unbreakable faith.  Like Job, they must live in the wake of a loss or losses that staggers our imagination to consider having to endure ourselves.  Whether it is recurring health issues, persecution, emotional pain, material loss, or some thorn in the flesh, some "endure."  While these may not understand the trial and while such a response does not solve the problem of trials, this is the way the Bible encourages us to cope with life's tests.  By hanging on and holding on, we, while growing stronger for the journey, are being better fitted for heaven.  Spiritual growth occurs, experience and perspective is obtained, all while strength is supplied by God to handle it all.

I do not relish or welcome trials.  Yet, they will come.  We are, right now, preparing ourselves for how we will respond when trials do come.  Let us ever build on the rock (cf. Mat. 7:24ff)!

Neal Pollard