Trials

Each meditation we publish has been edited. As part of our editorial process, we sometimes change the scripture passages associated with meditations. Today’s quoted scripture was changed for editorial purposes. The meditation originally referenced Job 23:10.

[God] knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold. — Job 23:10 (NRSV)

I decided to write my meditation based on Job 23:10 because trying times are something we never choose to encounter in life, but we all have to pass through those phases. I have discovered that sometimes no one can stand up in our defense like Jesus can. Human wisdom might fail us at times, friends may flee, and family might let us down when we need them the most. Jesus alone knows when we are up and when we hit rock bottom. I have come to realize that trials often refine us. Since writing my meditation, I have a sense of renewal in my mind every day. I welcome each trial that I encounter as an opportunity to be refined once more.

A lot of contemplations came to my mind as I wrote today’s meditation. My deep reflection on the verse and how it relates to our everyday lives gave me assurance that our trials are not our end. As I continued in deep thought, I realized that someone somewhere could be going through trying times—possibly wondering if they will make it through or if this time marks their end. So I set my mind to share about trying times. I won’t say I have had it easy in terms of trials in my life. But through this great experience of sharing my faith through my meditation, I must say I have managed to grow and bear witness that the word of the Lord is alive and readily working in us each day, in every situation we encounter.

A lot has changed since the time I shared my reflection on Job 23:10. It has managed to help me accept the people around me as they are so that I can learn what they can become. Simply put, each time I remember that God knows the way I take, even if someone misunderstands me or takes an act of love I render for granted, I now quickly remember that it is time for being refined—and something new and shimmering as gold is coming my way.