The Purpose of Trials

When the topic of trials comes up, you won’t normally hear someone say, “I love facing trials.”

In fact, as a people, we generally would love to live a life free of difficulty and trouble. However, James associates an unlikely word with trials. Joy.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. – James 1:2-3 ESV

Steadfast means to be firmly fixed in place, firm in belief, determination, or adherence. ¹

A lot of times, trials will grow and strengthen our faith. Though we may plead with God to take them away like the ‘thorn’ in the Apostle Paul’s life which he pleaded for the Lord to take away from him (2 Corinthians 12:8), God can use them to turn our eyes to Him and remind us He is the source of our strength (2 Corinthians 12:9-12).

Although it seems these trials will never end, as believers, we know that they are momentary when compared to the eternal glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

What are some reasons for trials?  

To test the genuineness of our faith (1 Peter 1:7)

 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. – 1 Peter 1:7

To produce steadfastness and lead to maturity in faith (James 1:2-4)

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  – James 1:2-4

To increase our dependence on God (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Prayer:

God, I pray to keep my focus on you through the trials I face. You are my strength when I am weak. Even though, I may not understand everything, I know that I can trust you. I believe you work all things for good and I choose to put my hope in you alone.

Source

1. “Steadfast.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/steadfast.