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 etches 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 lesson 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 sin 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.

Sathya Sai Speaks 9

When we suffer difficult situations, 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 (ie. God’s name) driven into the wall of the heart has to be shaken to ascertain whether it is firm and steady.

Sathya Sai Speaks 7