Members Exclusive February 2024
Members Exclusive
Ouch, Hallelujah!
by Dr Gerald Chester
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2–4 NKJV)
In a world driven by the perceived need for comfort, pleasure, and convenience, there is little tolerance for trials and tribulations. These tests of life seem to find us even when we seek to avoid them. We can be tested in many ways—mentally, emotionally, relationally, financially, and competitively—just to name a few. Invariably, these tests come to each of us, and the pedestrian response is to seek to escape tests as soon as possible. We generally see little value in tests. Instead, we view them as painful, distracting, annoying, or disruptive.
Contrary to this pedestrian perspective, tests are valuable—so valuable that we should be joyful about them. As noted in the text above, God uses tests to challenge our faith and worldview for the purpose of maturing us. This doesn’t mean that tests are comfortable, pleasant, or easy but that they are valuable. So, when we are tested, individually or organizationally, we should view testing as an opportunity for growth in Christ.
This doesn’t mean we need to be masochistic and seek to be tested. During your life, a variety of trials and tribulations will occur. When they arise, allow them to do the work in you that God intends. His goal is to transform you and better align you with His will and ways. You can rejoice in this, not because of the tests but because of the benefits that will follow.
To properly respond to testing, we must be metaphysically aware of God’s work through testing to improve both individuals and organizations. This means that we must view, understand, and interpret tests correctly. Then we can make the right choices based on the growth and maturity the test facilitates.
Individuals and leaders of organizations must be prepared to properly view and respond to tests as tools of development and maturity—in other words, to seek God’s perspective. The sovereign God of the universe is always working to transform His people into increasing Christlikeness. To recognize this requires faith that God is true to His promise to use trials and tribulations redemptively to make us better—more Christlike.
Therefore, the wise response to trials and tribulations is always to count it all joy.
A few years ago, I shared this truth with a brother in Christ who was struggling. I encouraged him to count it all joy—to seek to view the tests as gifts from God to help him mature. He paused for a minute, looking at me rather shocked. Then he reluctantly said, “Ouch, hallelujah!” To which, I said, “Amen!”
Bless you.
Dr. Gerald Chester.