The fourth external hindrance to being saved is the category of the trials of life. In this broken world, every one of us experiences problems, disappointments, and setbacks. There are frequent occurrences of trouble, such as natural disasters, accidents, sickness, and failures that result in pain, hardship, and loss (Ecclesiastes 3:6a). Anyone can get a flat tire. Maintenance of everything, even of our health, is a very real component of life. And rarely does a disruption to our peace happen conveniently. Acknowledging this reality, people often humorously refer to Murphy’s Law, which claims that anything that can go wrong will go wrong, and at the worst possible time. As we see in the case of Job, there is also a spiritual source of external hardship— the devil (Job 1). When permitted by God, he can bring trouble and persecution (1Peter 1:6-7; 4:12; 5:8-9).
Life is full of hardships. They can bring discouragement. The Bible admits as much. It refers to them as tribulations and temptations. That’s because they can try one’s faith. They pose a temptation to give up (Proverbs 24:10). That was the advice Job’s wife gave him in the supreme trial of his faith (Job 2:9). But God is faithful to help us in trials (Psalms 34:19; 2Corinthians 2:14). He even promises that they will not overwhelm us (1Corinthians 10:13) and that good will come from them (Romans 8:28).
Jesus came to give us victory but He didn’t change the human condition— yet. We’re still in a broken world that affects us every day. But He has overcome the world and will be our source of help when times get rough (John 16:33: Hebrews 7:25). James, the half brother of Jesus, even admonished us to be joyful in trials because they lead to patience, which has a perfecting quality about it. Jesus said that in our patience, we possess our souls (Luke 21:19).
Conclusion
It’s good to remember that, in the next world, there will be no internal or external hindrances to our spiritual wellbeing. We will be perfect creatures in a perfect world. And it will probably take place sooner than we think! My wife suggested there might be a fifth external hindrance on earth for some people— the weather! But we know that will be perfect in heaven as well. The Rapture is the next great spiritual event. I personally believe it will be the greatest event of all time. No trial, temptation, tribulation, or hardship will be worth missing that glorious meeting in the sky!