Divine Contrasts: Embracing Blessings and Trials

In the modern world, spirituality is often manifested through the contrasting perceptions of successes and trials, where every achievement is seen as an expression of the highest grace, while difficulties become an integral part of the journey toward spiritual perfection. The introduction to this concept begins with the realization that every positive change in life is perceived as a gift from God—a sign of His mercy and intervention that compels us to offer our praise with gratitude. At the same time, life's misfortunes and sufferings are not regarded as mere random mishaps but as tests that allow us to humbly accept the inevitable, undergo a process of purification, and experience spiritual growth. The core teaching suggests that in moments of triumph our reaction should be filled with gratitude, for every success is an opportunity to recognize the care of higher powers, while trials teach us humility and are necessary for internal transformation. In conclusion, true spiritual development is achieved through a balance of thanks for the blessings and an understanding of difficulties as indispensable stages on the path to eternal perfection. This dual perception of life inspires the search for deeper meaning and embraces trials as an opportunity for spiritual transformation, shaping us into individuals striving for the highest truth.

Why is success often accompanied by the exclamation "Praise God!" while failure is perceived as "Shame on God!"? The answer is based on the traditional understanding of divine providence, where success is seen as a blessing and a manifestation of mercy, while hardships or failures are interpreted as tests that come with humility before divine judgment.

On one hand, the exclamation "Praise God!" serves as an expression of deep gratitude for the blessings and for the fact that higher powers have intervened in a person’s life:
"Praise God for everything. Praise God for creating me in His own image and likeness. Praise God for redeeming me, the fallen one! ... Praise God for showing me the way to eternal bliss!" (source: link ).
In this excerpt, it is emphasized that success and prosperity are seen as the result of God’s favor—every positive moment is a sign of immeasurable mercy and care.

On the other hand, texts referring to hardships and sufferings suggest that trials and even failures may be perceived as “disgrace,” yet it is precisely in this humility that the spiritual essence of the chosen ones is revealed. The Apostles, aware of their fate, declare their position in the world:
"We would have liked to take your rightful place so that we too might reign with you; but the time is not right. ... I regard it this way, behold what we are. — We were a disgrace to the world as both an Angel and a human. Disgrace is a spectacle—not for praise, but leading to humiliation and utter degradation..." (source: link ).
Here, the emphasis is that negative events and trials are seen not as mere coincidences but as parts of God’s plan, through which come correction, nurturing, and spiritual cleansing.

Thus, success is accompanied by the exclamation "Praise God!" because positive changes and achievements are seen as manifestations of God’s grace and mercy. Conversely, difficulties, failures, or trials, despite their negative manifestations in the world, are interpreted as “disgrace”—a humble state signaling the need for repentance and recognition of one’s fate in the great divine plan. This dual approach reflects the idea that through gratitude for blessings and acceptance of trials, a person moves closer to the highest spiritual perfection.

Supporting citation(s):
"Praise God for everything. Praise God for creating me in His own image and likeness. Praise God for redeeming me, the fallen one! ... Praise God for showing me the way to eternal bliss!" (source: link )

"We would have liked to take your rightful place so that we too might reign with you; but the time is not right. ... I regard it this way, behold what we are. — We were a disgrace to the world as both an Angel and a human. Disgrace is a spectacle—not for praise, but leading to humiliation and utter degradation..." (source: link )