Almost
all of us if not all of us faced problems, trails and pressures and it is so
painful, devastating and hurtful isn’t it? For example let us consider a plea
of one Brother whose son committed a suicide he asked: “ Did Jehovah assess in
advance that my wife and I would be capable of enduring our son’s suicide? Did
it happen because God had determined that we could endure it?’ Is there sound
reason to believe that Jehovah maneuvers the events of our lives in such
specific ways?”
Such an outburst of
negative emotions. But we should not be surprised at what bereaved ones may at
first say. Remember, they may be feeling guilty and angry. This would take great
insight and compassion on our part not to respond with irritation.
As a respond to the
brother’s plea if our Loving God Jehovah Assess in Advance How Much Pressure We Can Bear
and Then Choose the Trials We Will Face, let us consider Paul’s word recorded
at 1 Corinthians 10:13, “ No temptation has come upon you except what is
common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let
you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will
also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”
How, then, are we to
understand Paul’s words: “God . . .
will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear”? Paul here describes what
Jehovah does.., not before, but during trials. The
apostle’s words assure us that no matter what trials may arise in our life,
Jehovah will sustain us if we trust in him. (Ps. 55:22)
These comforting words are based on two fundamental truths.
First, the trials we face are “common
to men.” Our trials, then, are common to human experience. Such
trials are not beyond our capacity to bear—provided we rely on God. (1 Pet. 5:8, 9)
Second, “God is faithful.” The record of God’s dealings with
his people demonstrates that he gives his loyal love to “those who love him and
keep his commandments.” (Deut. 7:9) That record also shows that God always keeps his promises. (Josh. 23:14) In view of his past record of faithfulness, those who love him
and obey him can trust that he will keep this twofold promise regarding trials
they may face: (1) He will not allow any trial to develop to a point that
would make it impossible to bear, and (2) “he will . . . make
the way out” for them.
Thus we can derive
from Paul’s words recorded at 1 Corinthians 10:13 leads us to this conclusion: There is no Scriptural reason
to believe that Jehovah assesses in advance what we can bear and then, chooses which trials will befall us.
Now Let us consider
four reasons why we experience pressures trails and pain.
First, Jehovah gave humans the
gift of free will- If we choose the right
course, we can look to Jehovah to guide our steps. (Prov. 16:9) But if we choose a wrong course, we will have to face the consequences.
(Gal. 6:7)
Second, Jehovah does not shield
us from “time and unexpected events.” (Eccl. 9:11) Tragic accidents—perhaps with dire consequences—may occur
because we are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Is it not unreasonable to
think that God would determine in advance who lives and who dies as a result of
random events?
Third, each one of us is
personally involved in the issue of integrity. Recall that Satan has challenged the integrity of all those
serving Jehovah, claiming that we would not remain loyal to Jehovah when
exposed to trials.
Fourth, Jehovah does not have
to foreknow everything that happens to us. The idea that God chooses beforehand which trials we will face
implies that he must know everything about our future. But such a view is not
Scriptural. God certainly can foreknow
the future. (Isa. 46:10) But the Bible shows that he is selective when it comes to
foreknowing future events. (Gen. 18:20, 21; 22:12) He thus balances his power of foreknowledge with his respect
for our free will. Is that not what we would expect from the God who values our
freedom and who always exercises his attributes in perfect balance?—Deut. 32:4; 2 Cor. 3:17.
As a conclusion our
Loving God Jehovah Does
Not Assess in Advance How Much Pressure We Can Bear and Then Choose the Trials
We Will Face? Hence when under trial we
should turn to our congregation which is a source of great comfort, look for
comfort from the scriptures, seek the loving guidance from Christ Jesus and
most of all rely to Jehovah who is the God of all comfort.
Part 9/21/17 jw.org
