The Necessity of Trials

James 1:2–4

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it
an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your
endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully
developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
(James 1:2–4)

Peter was not the only apostle who wrote to Christians who were strangers and aliens in a foreign land. James addressed his letter to those who were “dispersed abroad” —another group of people far away from home, and not by choice. This also applies to those of us who are strangers in this world below and those of us forced to live in the midst of circumstances that are not our choice. From these three verses we learn a great deal about trials.

First, trials are common for Christians to encounter. Notice that James says “when you encounter,” not “if.” If you’re experiencing trials, you’re the rule, not the exception. Going through a trial is one thing that pulls us together. We’ve got that in common.

Second, trials come in various categories. They may be physical, emotional, financial, relational, or spiritual. They may slip in unexpectedly and knock on the door of your business, your church, or your home. They may arrive at any time or at any season. They may come suddenly, like a car accident or a natural catastrophe. They may be prolonged, like a drawn-out court case or a lingering illness. They can be directly related to our own sin, the sin of others, or not related to sin at all. A trial can be like a rock hitting the water. You don’t cause the jolt, but you’re impacted by it. You’re just standing there, and suddenly the smooth lake of your life surges into giant waves and almost drowns you.

Third, trials put our faith to the test. No matter what its source or intensity, there’s something about suffering that simplifies life and draws us back to the basics. Invariably, especially during a time of intense trial, I go back to my theological roots. I go back to what I really believe. I return to the elementals such as prayer and dependence, like getting quiet and waiting on God. I remind myself, God is sovereign . . . this is no accident. He has a plan and a purpose. Those thoughts give us hope beyond our trials.