“We can rejoice, too, we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to be patient.” Romans 5:3 (TLB)
Just a short drive from Baltimore, Maryland, lays Aberdeen Proving Ground, operated by the U.S. Army. Since 1917, everything from pistols to planes and jeeps to Hummers are put through extreme testing and retesting. to see how well they will hold up in battle. Before any single piece of equipment is issued to the first soldiers, it must prove itself reliable. If a product fails, it must be redesigned and tested again until it can take the stress that attempts to simulate the harsh and unforgiving conditions of battle.
As Christians, every day we are in a battle. Paul speaks of “the unseen forces in the spiritual darkness.” Satan and his demons are just as active in the spiritual realm and Christ and the angels. As believers, we often find ourselves wondering why events in our life are happening to us. There are times when the author has shook his fist at Heaven and yelled” HEAVENLY FATHER, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” But we know that we develop spiritual and emotional maturity when we come through the trials and tribulations of living in this fallen, sinful world. As we grow through the pain of our troubles, we are being made ready for the next test God puts along our path. With each testing we build spiritual muscle and experience spiritual growth. This lets God know we are trustworthy and can be relied on. The trials and tribulations of our lives of God’s Proving Ground.
Copyright 2007 Timothy E. Davis