Are we experiencing the symptoms associated with PPT? Those of us who have been called out of this world, who live by the law of God and observe His commanded Sabbaths and Holy Days, can thereby expect trials of every caliber to impact us in some way as we approach a vitally important occasion in a few weeks from now, signifying “an outward symbol of acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice… by observing the death and sacrifice of Christ as a memorial once a year, during the evening Passover ceremony (Luke 22:14–20; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26)” (Compare our free booklet, “God’s Commanded Holy Days”).
These symptoms we have been experiencing every year and now once again, are our Pre-Passover Trials (PPT). This is certainly not a bad thing, but should be considered encouraging, as God is the One who brings this about, by allowing us to go through various tests, not for the purpose of imperfection, but to bring us closer to perfection.
As this has been the topic of discussion recently and will most likely continue to be so in the upcoming weeks, we are expected to examine ourselves as stated in 1 Corinthians 11:27-31, making sure that we don’t take the Passover in an unworthy manner. This is not to be considered in a negative way, but we are to look at ourselves, expecting a positive result. Our self-examination should determine that we are on the right track; that Christ DOES in fact live in us. “And if, during the examination, a Christian finds that he is lacking in some aspects, he needs to REPENT of that; he needs to ask God for forgiveness; he needs to resolve and make an effort to do better; and, at the same time, he needs to understand that with God’s help, he can, and must, and will do better“ (See our free booklet, “The Meaning of God’s Spring Holy Days”).
We are not being tested for the purpose of failing, but with the expectation of success. 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
The countdown to Passover is indeed upon us, and the effects of PPT are increasing more and more. We are being tested on the very things that we struggle with the most, and God is looking at US to see how we will react; how we will “handle” the situation. We will fail from time to time, especially during initial stages of a trial. In recognizing our own actions when going through a trial, we are thereby examining ourselves and accepting the fact that we MUST do better, if we want to be counted worthy.
The suffering we are going through is a beneficial part of God’s plan. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10, English Standard Version). We should not feel defeated the moment a trial sets in, for God says that we will not be tempted or tested beyond our ability, since He is always present in our time of need and confident that we will overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13). If we believe this, then we will be able to conquer the effects of PPT.
