The Hour Of Trial

by R. Armstrong, London, Ontario | Category: General | Feb 1974

Another year has come, and we wonder what events will mark the path of God's pilgrim people. In these closing scenes of an age characterized by what 'men call "progress", spiritual darkness deepens. The divine forecast is for even darker days ahead. True to life in modern times we are seeing what Paul saw with prophetic vision over 1,900 years ago: "But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty ... unthankful, unholy ... implacable, slanderers ... fierce, no lovers of good ... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God" (2 Tim. 3:1-4).

A global war is being waged against mankind by the powers of darkness, as unseen hosts of satanic beings led by the Devil occupy the atmosphere around the earth. An unsuspecting world is dominated by this evil power. The moral breakdown in every level of society is eroding the foundations of great nations. No language is too extravagant to portray the wickedness of this generation, from atheistic Communism in the East, to the permissiveness of the decadent Western society, before whose eyes there remains little of the fear of God.

Centuries ago Satan was permitted by God to attack Job, a desert prince of the Middle East (Job 31:37), who was widely known for his piety, wealth and benevolence. Satan was 'bold enough to suggest to God the line of attack that would break Job. The old serpent struck at the roots of his family life, and in multiple tragedies wiped out his family of ten and made Job a victim of one of the most painful diseases of his time. Knowing nothing of the contest between God and Satan, this outstanding man of God passed through an incredible test of faith in God, and the choice testimony of the Spirit as to his patience comes through the message of James to all who pass through times of testing. "Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord, how that the Lord is full of pity, and merciful" (Jas. 5:11).

Far down the ages from Job's day, a band of Christ's faithful followers felt the sting of persecution for their witness. These early disciples were reminded by the writer to the Hebrews, of their "former days", when after they were enlightened, their resurrected Lord meant more than life itself, and they endured a great conflict of sufferings ... made a grazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions. They were not afraid to identify with fellow-disciples who were also suffering persecution, and took joyfully the spoiling of their possessions ... knowing they had a better possession (Heb. 10:32-34). At a time when it was easy to give up in the spiritual warfare, they were reminded of their willingness to suffer in earlier days, and the writer encouraged their hearts, "Cast not away therefore your boldness, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise" (Heb. 10:35,36). The Lord is coming soon!

Later, as Rome's last but bitter persecution was about to fall on the surviving churches of God, John writes commending the church in Philadelphia, that lived in faithful witness under the shadow of Satan's synagogue. "Because thou didst keep the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of trial, that hour which is to come upon the whole world, to try them that dwell upon the earth" (Rev. 3:10). What an encouraging message of assurance from the Unseen Watcher of the churches!

In each of the three examples we have considered, patience has been the commended virtue. As we look back to these earlier times we see, in the permissive will of God, Satan's access to the people of God, and we wonder what the future holds for us in these days of mounting pressure from the same adversary.

A recent issue of Underground Evangelism Magazine describes how a young Russian soldier was tortured and finally put to death for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. John Moiseyev died on July 16 1972, at 21 years of age after speaking these words "I am a Christian. I love Jesus Christ. Do what you wish I will never renounce my faith in Him". And there are many more who suffer. There are undertones of religious intolerance being heard in North America today, and if and when persecution arises in this and other parts of the world, as the spirit of antichrist grows, what will the record say of our witness?

May we, too, know the patience of Christ, and receive needed strength from His words, "I also will keep thee from the hour of trial". How encouraging the promise of the Spirit through Isaiah, "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him" (Isa. 59:19 A.V.)! "Having done all, to stand".

"In the fierce hour that trieth

The children of men,

In the hour of temptation,

Lord, succour us then;

Let the weak and the feeble

Find under Thine arm,

In the blast of the terrible,

Shelter from storm."

R. Armstrong, London, Ontario | Feb 1974
General