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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: TRIAL (05/10/18)
In One or On One?





Trail ….. hmmmm what can I write about a trail? Am I on a particular trail right at the moment? How would I define that trail? A dirt trail, a concrete trail, a long………?



Oh! Hey! Wait a minute. The word isn’t trail, it’s trial. Quite a huge difference there. How funny. The words look so much alike, it’s easy to mistake one for the other at first glance.



So, now curious, I decide to consult Merriam Webster for definitions of each word. One of the ways trial is defined is “a test of the value, quality or usefulness of something.” In law, a trial is a coming together of parties to a dispute, to present information (in the form of evidence).



One of the meanings, among others, I come upon for trail is to “walk or move slowly or wearily”. Interesting. Isn’t that what it feels like when I’m going through a trial? Like I’m moving ever so slowly and feeling oh so weary?



I have to wonder if that’s what God has in mind when He allows me to go through a trial. As I move ever so slowly on this trail, painfully weary, thinking that no possible good can ever from this current, burdensome trial in my life, is He testing my value, my quality, my usefulness? Are we, (He and I) in concert, disputing information that makes absolutely no sense to me at the time, but that has divine meaning to Him in the light of eternity?

James 1:2-4 tells us to “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (ESV)

Various kinds of trials. Count them all joy? Is He kidding me? Trials hurt, they cause me to question His goodness.

Are these trials a result of the current trail that I’m traveling on? Do I need to find a new trail? Where would I find such a trail?

In Psalm 119:105 I read “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (NKJV)

Proverbs 3:6 tells me “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (ESV)

If I’m not mistaken, a path qualifies as a trail. So, if I’m reading this right, if I look to His Word and defer to His wisdom, I am assured that He will bring me through this trial no matter where the path (trail) leads me.

So whether I’m “on a trail” or “in a trial”, the end result is “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

Hallelujah!
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This article has been read 346 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
05/17/18
Nicely done, great choice of scriptures, and certainly on topic.
Blessings~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/17/18
I really enjoyed this. At the beginning, I was a bit hesitant, sure it would be much like a school essay, but you went in a totally different direction, and by the third line I was smiling and then, chuckling. This is such an intimate piece. I enjoyed the first person POV in this delightful testimony. Except testimony isn't quite the right word either because you did such a brilliant job, I almost felt like I was eavesdropping in your mind and heart too. You nailed the topic, delivered a sensational message, and helped God speak to my heart.
Christian Belyea
05/18/18
Good job. You write as if you are talking to people instead of us just reading your words. I like how you brought trial and trail together. I am going through several trials presently, yes, trails I must trod. So, thanks for the inspiration. You are right: trials produce character in a way only God understands. Keep on trucking, Mr. Writer!
Bonnie Kronberger 
05/18/18
A wonderful message of truth. When I first began to read your piece, I was startled, thinking, did I read the topic wrong and submit my story about a trial. I glanced to the top of the page and saw trial was the correct topic. Whew!

I noticed a word seemed to be missing in one sentence. That pesky proofreading:)
Louis Detweiler 
05/18/18
I enjoyed the creativity by using trail and trial together. I like to hike and have gone down many trails. And some of the trails, truly feel like trials. I enjoyed your knowledged of the Bible and putting your thoughts with Godly principles when we go through trials.