“Time of Trial”

Most of us cannot remember a time when we have seen our daily lives halted as we are seeing today. It is truly a time of trial for our country, and our world, as this invisible virus continues to make people ill.   This new germ keeps us on edge, along with the unknowns that it carries. What we have only imagined, or watched on the big screen of fantasy entertainment, is now happening in reality.

Times of trial and testing have always been a part of life.  Diseases, wars, family trials, and many other threatening forces have come and gone, ripping into the daily fabric of our lives.

There was a time in our history when the fear of what could happen was a terrifying prospect for the expectant mother and those who loved her.  Most young wives in early American life had large families. In the first years of the 20th century, one in eight of those new mothers would die of complications from childbirth. During those nine months, as they were preparing for the arrival of a new life, they were also steeling themselves for the real fact that either they or their new baby, or both, could die. It was known as their “time of trial.” Many mothers gave birth in their own beds, often routinely, only to have an infection set in followed by an agonizing death days later. Long labor or a breech birth often led to the death of a perfectly healthy baby, many of them frozen in time by the customary death photos of the day—perfect little ones dressed beautifully for their own funeral. After decades of research and new knowledge about the spread of germs and the benefits of having good prenatal care, loss of life began to lessen and fear gave way to joy and anticipation–hope was renewed.

We are all seeking peace and hope during this trying time in our history, but God will see us through if we put our faith in Him. He promises to work everything out for good in the lives of those who trust in Him. We can take comfort in His care, and the words of Christ:

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] John 16:33

Temporary trouble is here, but God will have the final word.  What do you need today? Perhaps you need to replace anxious thoughts with peace, or fear with courage that it will be alright, or sadness with the joy that God cares. Whatever you are facing, He is your hope.