Treasures in trials

Think not like a civilian when you are in hardship, but think like a good soldier.

Know that a good solider does not seek sympathy but endures in hardship. Only the best soldiers endure. The brainchild of the 9/11 attacks, Osama Bin Laden, was tracked and killed by the best soldiers who are part of the Navy Seal Team Six. The team is one of United States' four secretive counter-terrorism groups. And these soldiers, before becoming a part of such an elite group, have gone through an arduous training.

Know that a strong character is in every good soldier who has endured the hard training. Nothing could be more perfect as an example, from the Bible, of a person who has gone through a lot of hardship in life but Joseph. Think about this: he was sold into slavery by the very people who are supposed to love him and not betray him, his biological brothers; he was locked in prison for he chose to keep his integrity intact by not having sex with his master’s wife.

But behind Joseph’s bitter experience was the wonderful plan of God. He was promoted by God in a very strategic position and became the second most powerful man, next to Pharaoh. These were all orchestrated by God.

And when his brothers came and sought his help during a time of famine, he welcomed and forgave them. He could have retaliated but he did not. He endured and in the process developed a strong character. He forgave and forgives.

And lastly, know that a strong character developed through enduring hardships makes someone optimistic. Job was positive even if the circumstances around him seem to invite him to reproach God – his oxens, donkeys, camels were stolen; his sheeps were burned up by 'the fire of God which fell from the sky; the house of his firstborn collapsed due to a mighty wind and his offspring were killed; and Job himself was smitten with awful boils which he scraped with broken pottery.

His wife prompted him to "curse God, and die" but instead, he shaved his head, tore his clothes and blessed the name of the Lord saying: "Naked I came out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return: the Lord has given, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of Lord."

Know that there is always hope. The biblical story ended happily with Job restored to good health and as well as his possessions. He had acquired 13,000 sheeps; 6,000 camels; 2,000 oxens; 2,000 donkeys. He had 7 sons and 3 beautiful daughters, and he lived up to the fourth generation down his line.

Today, Texas, the second largest state in the US is locked in a historic drought. The water level in Lake Whitney State Park – which is once a perfect place for boating, fishing, scuba diving and water skiing – has receded and has exposed caverns. And this record-setting drought has turned the place into a treasure trove for treasures hunters. They have unearthed from the underwater caverns 8,000-year-old fossils and Native American tools from prehistoric times. Priceless artifacts.

Good soldier, know and find the treasures in your trials.

This is base on Rev Alex Eduave’s sermon on Oct 2, 2011, Romans 5:3-5, at Celebration International Church Network and is for his student whom he knows is going through a rough time.