3.1. PAUL’S TRIALS AND AFFLICTIONS
When Apostle Paul was chosen as a vessel to bear the name of Christ before Israel, the nations and kings, it was revealed of him that he had to suffer much for the name of Jesus and the Gospel. And indeed, Paul endured much persecutions and afflictions but out of them all God did deliver him. (Acts 9:15-16; 2 Timothy 3:11).
Paul endured labours in abundance, stripes above measure and was frequently imprisoned, often faced death. Specifically, he received forty stripes, was beaten with rods, was stoned once, suffered shipwreck thrice, and spent a night and a day in the deep.
In Paul’s journeys he endured through various perils including: of waters, of robbers; by his own countrymen, by the heathen, in perils in the city, in the wilderness, in the sea, and among false brethren. He suffered “in weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness”.
He also endured court trials, was weak, was offended, was pursued for arrest and on one occasion escaped in a basket through a window. Yet all these personal trials, persecution and tribulations, he still also had to contend with the challenges that came with running the churches. (2 Corinthians 11:23-33). Brethren note the variety and scope of areas we may be tried for the faith.
Below, we examine main areas in which we may be tempted:
3.2. THE ‘CROSSES’ OF YOUR FAITH
3.2.1. THE RULERS OF THE WORLD
One of the faith trials that befall disciples quite often but is usually overlooked ( as a faith issue) comes in accusations from rulers and authorities including through court cases, employment, schools and other state institutions. For various reasons one may face stiff opposition in these areas that will almost cause one to question one’s faith. Societal or institutional narratives and pressures will drum louder than our beliefs. Such trials will have consequences on your faith by way of the life style choices that you may make or the need to conform to the world view.
In such situations brethren, “be not conformed to this world”. Renew your mind, that ye may prove the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2). One should not allow the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of positions or belonging or other things to affect the word of God and, render your faith unfruitful. (Mark 4:19).
But when authorities bring accusations against you, no matter the forum, do not plan what you shall respond: “For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say”. (Luke 12:11-12; Exodus 4:12). Consider always that the accusations you suffer are for a testimony to the unbelievers (Matthew 10:16-18).).
3.2.2. RULERS OF DARKNESS AND SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS
In other cases, the trials we may face are not of natural causes (“flesh and blood”), but may be orchestrated by “the wiles of the devil” and involving spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:11-12). Know that “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”. Jesus warns Simon Peter saying, “behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” (1 Peter 5:8; Luke 22:31).
Trials from the dark side may come in forms of attacks that can be harsh, intense, and inexplicable. Such attacks do not leave any area out of bounds and may be directed at yourself, family and loved ones, your job, business, ministry, marriage, health, always going for the weakest link.
In case of such puzzling affliction, brethren, condition your mind first “to resist [Satan by remaining] stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world”.( 1 Peter 5:8). Limit you words and enlarge your prayers. “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness … and then shall every man have praise of God”. (1 Corinthians 4:5).
To withstand this evil assault, you can engage the spiritual weapons: these are to hope in God, in truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, the covering of salvation, the Spirit which is the word of God and by praying and supplication in the Spirit. But above all since the core of the assault is on the your faith, then you need to shield yourself in your FAITH with which“ [you] shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”.(Ephesians 6:13-18). DO NOT TURN FROM THE FAITH IN CHRIST to a strange god you do not know!
3.2.3 TRIALS AND FAMILY RELATIONS
Another area where faith trials may entail is in family life and relationships. Losing family members for our faith can be trying: Peter said to Jesus “See, we have left all and followed You”. (Mark 10:28).Those who wish to follow Christ as disciples should be prepared to “lose” or give-up their life, especially the things they hold dearly for the affections of God and the faith. They may lose it if they superimpose it over the love and service of God. (Colossians 3:2).
In other words, you may be tempted or tried in what you idolise. Nothing should mean more to us than God almighty, the giver of life, family and wealth. For example, one may be given an ultimatum or a threat that if you express your faith in Christ you will lose your Job, or a partner; and the concern for your welfare or family security may compete as your faith is tried. Brethren you must also expect betrayal from family members and uprising against each other, and hatred that will be directed against you because of the name of Jesus. (Matthew 10:21-22).
However, Jesus assures believers that anyone who loses family or relations on account of his name and the gospel will be enriched in family life, relationships and “lands” or wealth a hundredfold, and invariable eternal life in the age to come (Mark 10:28-30). You should however be aware that the hundred-fold more restoration of life and wealth that you will get would come with persecution. (Mark 10:31). In other words, believers would experience trials both in difficult times and in prosperous times.
4. BUILDING COURAGE IN TRIALS
