Multiplied Trials

       What happens when trials are piled on top of each other? When it’s not just one or two challenges, but a whole fistful? There are several Bible passages that specifically address the topic of multiplied trials.

II Cor. 7:5-6 For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within. But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus.

       Paul came into a new territory and was assaulted (squeezed into a narrow place) by multiple trials. The attacks were so numerous that he didn’t have time to rest or to absorb one attack before the next one hit. He could turn nowhere without seeing another assault. There were conflicts externally, with other people, and assaults internally, as he faced fears within. These multiplied trials left Paul in need of comfort. Paul’s description of God suggests that Paul was depressed by his trials. God knew that Paul was in this difficult time of multiplied trials, and He responded in characteristic manner by giving comfort. God expressed His love through a dear brother who brought encouraging news about other believers and their loving concern for Paul.

II Cor. 4:8-9 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

       Here Paul describes a new situation of multiplied trials in which he was afflicted in every way. Everywhere he looked he saw afflictions - personally, in ministry, in relationships, etc. Paul was perplexed; he didn’t know what to do in these multiplied trials. He was also persecuted, struck down, and in constant danger of death. In this difficult setting, Paul moderated his natural responses. As challenging and confusing as these situations were, the afflictions did not overwhelm him. He was not crushed, despairing, forsaken, or destroyed. While his place was narrow, God had a way of escape. Paul was at a loss for answers, but God knew what to do. In the persecution, God had not left him, and though beaten down, God continued to preserve him. Although the multiplied trials were very hard, because of Paul’s faith, they were not destructive.
       Surrounding verses show us something of the purpose of these multiplied trials. v. 7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” v. 10b “So that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” Such trials definitely illustrate the weakness of our human bodies. Going through these difficulties without being destroyed gives evidence that a greater power sustains us. When we are preserved in spite of our weakness, God’s power is clearly displayed and Jesus in magnified.

James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
       This passage refers to an assortment of different types of adversities that put us to the test. These trials surround us without warning and with nothing we can do to prevent them. Two instructions are given. First, we are to consider such circumstances to be a setting for all joy. This cheerfulness and calm delight is based not on the trials themselves, but in what we know. We know that the trials produce endurance, which leads to maturity. The trials are doing a long-term good work that outshines the temporary pain; they are accomplishing something worthy of rejoicing. Second, we are to let endurance have its perfect result of making us mature and complete. Instead of fighting against the trials or resenting the endurance they require, we must submit. An important reassurance is given in v. 5. “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” In the midst of such trials, it is not surprising that we don’t know how to respond. Whether we lack wisdom for maximizing spiritual growth or for responding practically to the trial itself, God freely offers the wisdom we need.

I Pet. 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

       Peter reveals the very natural effect of testing; it causes grief, heaviness, and sorrow. That is not the end; Peter also gives encouraging reminders about the trials. First, they are only for a little while; they will not last forever. Second, the trials are necessary. God leaves us in the trials only as long as they are needed for our profit. Third, the purpose is to prove our faith, like the value of gold is tested by fire. The test shows that our faith is real, because it is our faith that makes the difference in how we go through the trials. Fourth, the fact that our faith passes the test brings praise and glory and honor to God. Interestingly, the cause for the rejoicing mentioned is not one of those four things; that goes back to vs. 3-5. We can rejoice greatly even in trials because we have been born again, have been promised an eternal reward in heaven, and are kept by God until that time.

II Cor. 1:5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

       The abundant suffering in this passage refers to hardships or emotional pain. Pain requires comfort, and God is a God of comfort (v. 3). He gives comfort by calling His loved ones near for exhortation and consolation, and He does so in all of their afflictions. When these sufferings occur in abundance, the comfort is also in abundance. He gives extra comfort sufficient to meet the level of hurt. God’s purpose in giving us comfort is so that we can take His comfort and pass it on to others (v. 4). Abundant trials, resulting in abundant comfort from God, equip us to give comfort abundantly.

II Tim. 3:11 Persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!

        Paul doesn’t give a specific number of persecutions and sufferings he faced; he probably couldn’t. He simply refers to them as “them all.” The verse shows intensity as Paul recognizes how much he endured and how powerful the trials were. The greatest intensity, however, is reserved for his conclusion – that God rescued him out of every one of those trials, with no exceptions, no matter how numerous or how difficult the trials were.

        Times of multiplied trials do come, and they are hard. God always knows, cares, and comforts. He always knows what to do and is always able to deliver. These temporary trials, which have great gain both in our maturity and in the magnification of God, will end; in the meantime we can take hope in our salvation and eternal destination.