Observe the sorrow of our training, understand that we do not pass from joy to joy nor from security to security, but from grief to joy and from trial to security.

  - Columbanus, Sermon IV (Irish, 7th century)

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

  - John 16.33

We should not allow ourselves to be deceived about the true nature of the life of faith.

Some preachers and writers want us to believe that following Jesus should be all joy and security in knowing we are forgiven now and going to heaven when we die. We might conclude there's something wrong with us if we do not experience continuous joy and an unshakeable sense of being secure in our salvation.

But the fact is, the Christian life is difficult. We are human beings in a fallen world. The law of sin continues to rage within our souls. Spiritual forces of wickedness assault us continually. We disappoint one another, fail to achieve our goals, and must deal with a wide range of situations and choices that sometimes leave us baffled and even depressed.

Sorrow and trial are normal for the Christian life. Avoiding or wallowing in them is not.

The Lord sends grief and trial our way in order to move us along in the life of faith, to help us lean back into His power, focus on His glory, and strive through every adversity to realize a bit more of the joy and security which are truly ours in the Lord Jesus Christ. Joy comes after the grief as a result of keeping faith in the midst of it. Security comes after our faith has been tried, as we reflect on the mercy of God and His wondrous sustaining grace.

In the world we will have trouble, and trouble is never pleasant. But in the face of every grief and trial, be of good cheer. Let the words of Jesus, "I have overcome," resound through the chambers of your soul. Let the vision of Jesus exalted in glory bathe your spirit in rest. Let the knowledge that He is with you always and will never fail you nor forsake you keep you rejoicing amid grief and persevering through every trial.

And, if you will, on the other side of these guaranteed adversities, you will know the rewards of faith.

You will know the love of God that surpasses understanding.

And that will be more than enough.

T. M. Moore, Principal

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