TRIALS TEST OUR VALUES

The Bible tells me to give thanks, even in trials. Why should I thank God for trials? Because in some morbid way, trials are fun? Because as a pessimist, trials are inevitable and I may as well get them over with? No. Paul and James both claim that trials will test my faith and strengthen my character. So, I give thanks for trials because they are good for me. My thanksgiving is more than a passive "giving in" to the inescapableness of having bad luck, but is actually a thanksgiving from deep in my being for the good that will come of it.

Trials bring friends closer. Trials shine new light on many of the Psalms. Trials cause my faith to be not by sight anymore (often my faith is built on God's answered prayers, rather than on what I cannot, in fact, see). But today I am aware that one of the benefits of trials is that they test my values. Let me explore that briefly.

The most powerful example in front of me right now is Tanya Babik. Before Tanya was found to have cancer, life was good in the Babik household. They were all given to prayer and to service, and they were happily experiencing God's blessings every day. But now, everything is shaken, and they are definitely having a red tag sale. They are cherishing what is gold (people) and discounting what will someday burn (things). I wrote about that a few weeks ago.

In my own life, my personal values have been tested by the arrival of Isaac into our home. Before the end of December, I could with clear conscience say that I was busy doing lots of things, but that my heart was at home, and I tried to be a good dad. But rhetoric pales when compared to my practical and tangible help. Ellen can hold and feed one baby at a time, but not two. She has to have some relief during the night when neither of them sleeps through the night completely. This light and momentary "trial" is trying my values: Will I talk the talk, or will I walk the walk?

And so my priorities are shifting more radically. This spring break I am trying to be home most of the day all week. I am sorry to say that I have never done that before. I am turning down outside ministry opportunities and giving away Sunday morning roles and skipping meetings and saying "no" more often than I say "yes." As I am home more, I am more aware of the needs and daily lives of my wife and other children, as well. It's been a long time coming. Ellen suffers well in silence. But this little crisis is "good" for me, because it makes me go through her sacrifices with her, instead of feeling responsible for her many hours of service to the family.

Everyone has trials. This one is a happy one. But every trial is "good," and is worthy of truly giving thanks.

"LORD, I thank You for bringing that little precious boy into our family, even if only for a season. You are lovingly, gently, calling me to wake up. You are faithful, Father of Lights, Light of the World, Spirit of Holiness. Thank You. Amen."
-ker