What is the purpose of a trial for the Christian?

Take a moment and think about the last time that you went through a trial in life.  It probably won’t take you long to remember it.  You may even be dealing with a pretty heavy trial right now.  We all face trials – this is part of the human experience.  But our response to the trials we face is not always the same.  What is the correct response to a tough situation in life?  Sometimes we throw up our hands toward God and ask, “Why me?”  Sometimes we are even tempted to blame God or get angry at Him.  But to understand the correct way to respond to a trial, you must understand what a trial really is.

Do you know where trials ultimately come from?  God.  That’s right.  God either directly caused the trial or allowed it to happen.  This begs the question, “What is the purpose of a trial for the Christian?”  For the correct answer, you can look at the first chapter of the book of James.  In James 1:2-3, Scripture tells us that we should rejoice during trials, “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”  What is steadfastness?  Steadfastness is patience or endurance while under pressure (think of the contents of a pressure cooker).

And since God is infinite and He operates outside of the constraints of time, He already knows the outcome of your trials.  Therefore, the trial is not for God’s benefit; it is for yours.

Do you learn something better by someone telling you about it, or by doing it yourself?  Did you learn not to touch something hot, because your parents told you not to, or did you really learn not to touch it, that time that you touched it!  Trials are very similar.  A trial is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to mature.  But not through your own strength; rather, through the power of the Holy Spirit!

So next time you’re going through a trial, do not shake your fist at God.  Thank Him, and pray continually for strength and endurance (Ephesians 6:18).  Oh, and go read the book of James.  It’s only a few pages long.  You can do it on your lunch break.  That’s how I learned about this.  Pray and read your Bible – always.

Blessings, 

Pastor Bruce

bruce.cullom@gmail.com