The Value of Trials

James wrote this letter to encourage and give practical advice to Jewish Christians who had been dispersed by persecution.

We're encouraged to respond to trials as positive things...almost as if we should even welcome them since they are opportunities to test our faith. Most people don't enjoy tests but tests do serve some valuable purposes. They reveal strengths and weaknesses. They demonstrate what we know and what we do not know, and they teach us how to apply knowledge. Our faith is tested by how we respond to trials (conflicts, sufferings, troubles, difficulties). It will show who we really are and what we really believe. It will show whether our faith is strong or weak, genuine or fake. 

Perseverance/patience/endurance is the fruit proven by the testing of our faith. This passage in James reminds me of Mark 4: 16-17, "Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the Word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, they quickly fall away." True saving faith will stand steadfast under pressure and endure to the end...come what may! "Mind and heart and character are bettered by the endurance of affliction." (Alexander Smellie)

"Count it all joy/consider it pure joy"!
Trials are unpleasant but they are great opportunities to witness how God works in our lives, for our lives, and through our lives. We can have joy by focusing on the value of trials in our lives. Trials authenticate our faith, develop perseverance, strengthen us/our faith, draw us closer to God/make us depend on God more, glorify God as He sustains us through our trials, help us learn lessons that we need to learn, and enable us to encourage and comfort others who may experience similar trials. Don't just go through trials; grow through trials. Consider your trials as teaching lessons to help you grow in faith, endurance, perseverance, and Christlikeness. The result/reward for passing the testing of our faith and persevering includes spiritual maturity, completion, not lacking anything = complete contentment/ wholesomeness.

One thing that helps me during trials is to focus on the Author and Finisher of our Faith. "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1b-3) Such a beautiful and powerful example to help us endure our trials! 

Trials remind us that our joy and contentment are not found in the riches of this world, but in the riches of God's grace! 

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for Your beautiful and faithful promises! I'm so grateful that You are with me always, comforting me, guiding me, watching over me, and carrying me through every trial. Please give me the wisdom, courage, and strength, I need to face each challenge. Please help me persevere, grow in my faith, and find joy in You through any storms. May I honor and glorify You in everything I say and do, including how I respond to trials! In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.