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Quilt of Holes

The more I live the more I see the trials, tribulations, and problems that can enter people’s lives.  Some folks cope with the issues surrounding finances; others have difficulty in their marriages; many people are very perplexed with their job situation; and for those who desire a deepening of relationships there are always those who wish to destroy the same.

In the Introduction of Dr. John Mac Arthur’s great Commentary on James, he does an excellent job discussing the various points to be considered when discussing trials. James’ major emphasis in the first chapter, and in the entire letter, is that if a person’s faith is genuine, it will prove itself during times of trouble, whatever the nature or source of the trouble may be.

For that reason, this epistle is valuable for unbelievers as well as believers. That is especially true for unbelievers who consider themselves to be Christians and need to recognize that faith that is reliable only when things are going well is not saving faith and is worth nothing. It is, in fact, worth less than nothing, because it deceives those who trust in it. Not only will it fail them when they need help the most but, immeasurably worse, it will lead them to think they are headed for heaven when, in reality, they are headed for hell.

James shows that when faith is but an empty profession or mere sentiment not based on firm and intelligent convictions of divine truth, the fire of trouble will burn it up. But where there is true faith, affliction naturally leads to deeper thought on one’s true condition than under other circumstances and thereby frees the heart from deception and self-righteousness. The source of weakness leads to earnest wrestling with God in prayer; and the experience of the sustaining grace thus obtained strengthens and exhilarates hope.

Scripture mentions at least eight purposes for the Lord’s allowing trials to come into the lives of His people.

First, it is to test the strength of our faith. In many ways the Lord assists us in taking spiritual inventory by bringing trials into our lives to demonstrate to us the strength or weakness of our faith.  God told Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction” (Ex. 16:4; cf. Deut. 13:3–4).

Second, trials are given to humble us, to remind us not to let our trust in the Lord turn into presumption and spiritual self-satisfaction. The greater our blessings, the more Satan will tempt us to look on them as our own accomplishments rather than the Lord’s, or as our rightful due, and to become proud rather than humble. Paul testifies that, “because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!” (2 Cor. 12:7).

Third, God allows us to suffer trials in order to wean us from our dependence on worldly things. The more we accumulate material possessions and worldly knowledge, experience, and recognition, the more we are tempted to rely on them instead of the Lord.
On one occasion when a large crowd followed Jesus and the disciples to a mountain, Jesus asked Philip, “ ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?’ This He was saying to test him; for He Himself knew what He was intending to do” (John 6:5–6). Philip failed the test, replying, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little” (v. 7). Instead of trusting the Lord to provide, Philip looked only at their material resources, which obviously were far short of being able to meet the need.

A fourth purpose of trials is to call us to eternal and heavenly hope. The harder our trials become and the longer they last, the more we look forward to being with the Lord. Although Paul knew that his ministry was not finished, and that it was important for him to continue his work on earth for Christ’s sake and the sake of the church, his personal longing, nevertheless, was “to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better” (Phil. 1:23–24).

A fifth purpose of trials is to reveal what we really love. Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac not only proved his faith, but also his supreme love for the Lord. Nothing and no one else should be dearer to us than the Lord. In Deuteronomy, the Lord told His people, “Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (10:12; cf. 13:3).

Sixth, trials are given to teach us to value God’s blessings. Our reason tells us to value the world and the things of the world, and our senses tell us to value pleasure and ease. But through trials, faith tells us to value the spiritual things of God with which He has blessed us abundantly—including His Word, His care, His provision, His strength, and, of course, His salvation. King David exulted:  “Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches, for You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.” (Ps. 63:3–7)

Seventh, the Lord uses trials to develop in His saints enduring strength for greater usefulness. The Puritan Thomas Manton perceptively observed that “while all things are quiet and comfortable, we live by sense rather than faith. But the worth of a soldier is never known in times of peace.” Paul confessed, “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).

Eighth, and finally, the Lord uses trials to enable us to better help others in their trials. Jesus told Peter, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31–32).
This little story helps us appreciate why we might face the trials we do. 

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
 
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
 
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, thread bare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times.

I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each
time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
 
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My
hardships, and My struggles.
 
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you." 

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

Have a great week.  Don’t let your trials get you down.  God loves you and so do we!
Jim Grassi