88. Tests
We should know that we are not going to be promoted without first passing the test. Every test is an opportunity to come up higher. God says in the Qur’an,
“We will surely test you with a measure of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth, lives, and fruits; and give good news to the patient”. (Qur’an; 2:155)1
We may have many problems in our life. We may face some disasters, some afflictions. But we know it is only a test of our faith, so we stay for the joy. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said, “Verily when God, the Mighty, the Great, loves a servant, He immerses him in tribulation thorough immersing”.2 He also said, “The world is the prison of the believer and the paradise of the unbeliever”.3
Instead of trying to change the circumstances, why do not you change yourself? The question is not “do you have problem?”. The question is “does the problem have you? Are you worried? Are you upset?”.
Keep your peace and start passing this test. Say, “I know that God wants to refine and purify me. Therefore, I control myself”. Imam Al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said, “The believer is but like the scale of a balance; the more his faith increases, the more his trouble increases”.4 Even, there is in the Bible, “Blessed is the man that preserves under trial, because when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive the victor’s crown of life”.5 So we have to pass the tests and know that God wants something better for us as He loves us.
