Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the

testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be

mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

Can we really rejoice as we face the many trials of life? The Scripture assures us we can. We’re not

expected to pursue trials or court hardships. And we’re not trying to pretend that trials are enjoyable to

endure. However, we should expect to have trials. We should be prepared for them and not be caught

off guard when a sudden trial comes. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I

have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Our perspective about the trials will shape the way we approach them. God has a purpose in the trials

we face. Consider trials from God’s perspective. Here are some of the purposes God may have for the

trials we face:

• Trials reveal the genuineness of our faith. If they cause someone to abandon his faith in God, his

faith was never the real thing. Perseverance through trial is the proof of living faith.

• Trials expose the quality of our faith and strengthen that faith so we can move along the path to

greater strength.

• Trials come to humble us so we don’t think more confidently of our spiritual strength than we

should.

• Trials wean us from worldly things because it demonstrates their inability to solve significant

problems or provide us with any real resources in time of need.

• Trials call us to an eternal hope. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having

stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those

who love him. (James 1:12)

• They reveal what we really love. If anything is dearer to you than God, then He has to have it.
• Trials teach us to value the blessing of God. Obedience at all costs brings the blessing of God.
• Suffering through trials may come to enable us to help others in their own suffering.
• Trials come to develop enduring strength for greater usefulness. You can help someone because

you have been in that situation.

• God also uses trials to discipline us to purge our spiritual shortcomings and mature our faith.

They promote joy because they produce holiness in the life of steadfast believers.

When you and I face various trials, remember that God uses them for our own good. By patiently

enduring them, God is refining us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

By Jim Connell