Your assignment is to dignify the trial by letting it run its course, however long God decides that will be. If you do nothing to bring about its conclusion—if you let God be in control of the timing—you will not only pass the test, but you will also enjoy the fruit of righteousness that God purposed for you.
7. Don’t grumble. Here’s a sobering thought: God puts grumbling alongside idolatry and sexual sin in the lists of evil deeds that brought His wrath down on ancient Israel (see 1 Cor. 10:1-12).
It takes no talent or training to criticize and complain. It is part of being a sinner. It takes great grace to endure trials and keep quiet in the hard times.
Remember, God wants you to pass the test far more than you do. Why? First, because He loves you so much that He rejoices when you experience pure joy.
Second, it brings Him glory when you dignify your trial by cheerfully enduring. So trust God in the midst of your trial, and don’t grumble.
8. Don’t go looking for trials. If pure joy is the ultimate result of dignifying a trial, you might logically assume that you should go looking for fiery trials. Wrong. The qualification for a trial to be dignified is that it happens without you doing a thing to precipitate it.
Jesus told us to pray that we would not enter into temptation, or trial (see Matt. 6:13). But when a trial comes—and it comes without you causing it—consider it pure joy.
You may never have another trial that is like the one you are in right now. Dignify it. Welcome it without panic or grumbling.
Know that God has allowed this trial for a great purpose, and endure it to the end. You will be glad you did!
R.T. Kendall is the author of Pure Joy (Charisma House), from which this article is adapted.
