Suffering - Pain With a Purpose - Tests of Character Part 03

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We admire gnarled old trees that grow on lofty peaks or wave pounded

shores. Their twisted limbs and weathered bark paint a picture of

courage and aspiration. Their roots dig into barren earth, clawing

out an existence from near barren beginnings. We respect such

stalwarts far more than the pampered saplings of fertile valleys.

 

And yet we seek ease for ourselves. We resent the buffetings and salt

spray that etch our own experience. We reject the hardships that

endow us with our own unique character. But we must stand up to such

trials. Our reaction to difficult situations is a test of our

readiness to tread the spiritual path. How we deal with joy and

suffering shows what we have learned and the strength we have

developed.

 

Tests are a natural and necessary part of the razor edged journey.

Without tests, we would be unable to demonstrate our merit. Only by

taking the tests can we pass on to higher stages. God, in his wisdom,

does not let us graduate from one level without testing our fitness

to move on. Progression to higher lessons too early would only result

in the possibility of a fall later.

 

" Being students, you know very well that the university has

prescribed certain examinations at the end of every academic year. Do

you ascribe this system to any desire for persecuting you? Do you

think it is a sign of displeasure? You know that they are conducted

so that you can be promoted, don't you? The yogis, sadhaks, and

aspirants are being tested by God only to promote them " Baba

 

When we suffer difficult ituations, we may feel that God does not see

our plight. In fact, that is when God is watching us most closely. He

gives us an opportunity to show our strength and fortitude. He

watches closely to determine our faith in the face of obstacles. If

we are to be given higher work, our strength must first be tested so

that a disaster does not occur later.

 

" Some of you feel neglected by me when disappointment or trouble

comes upon you. But such obstacles alone can toughen your character

and make your faith firm. When you hang a picture on the wall, you

shake the nail and find out whether it is firm enough to bear the

weight of the picture. So, too, in order to prevent the picture of

God (his image in your mind and heart) from falling and being

shattered to bits, the nail (i.e, God name)driven into the wall of

the heart has to be shaken to ascertain it is firm and steady " Baba

 

Continue..Suffering-Pain With a Purpose-An opportunity for Growth

Part 04