I remember when my oldest son first began taking piano lessons.
Although I loved to hear him practice, I couldn’t wait for him to advance to the good stuff….something with a little more substance (There’s only so much beginner piano music even a mama can handle.)
Thankfully, his next piano book incorporated more of the sharp and flat keys. These black colored keys brought a whole new level of depth to the music.
The ivory keys, if played alone, sound too simple and childlike.
The black Keys, on their own, sound too harsh and unpleasant.
And so it is with life….beauty is found in the balance of life’s trials and life’s triumphs. The mountaintop experiences as well as our time in the valley.
Trust me, no one enjoys coasting through life more than me…but according to John 16:33, trials are inevitable, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
The Bible also tells us that trials are necessary for the growth of our character.
James 1:2-4 states “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Trials are the refining fire which purifies our soul. Trials teach us what sermons can’t. Trials force us to discern what is truly important in life and what isn’t.
When you face difficulties, who do you reach out to?
I seek counsel from those whom I know have gone through similar “stuff” and endured. For there is a depth to their counsel which I long to hear.
If you are currently in the middle of a trial. If you can only hear the harsh sounds of the black keys ringing in your ears. Take heart….the simplicity of the ivory keys will soon be heard.
The two sounds played together will, in time, create a God given song and form the beautiful story of your life.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
-Binu
