Trials Are For Your Training

Hello everyone!!! Sorry I haven't been blogging lately. Things have been hectic on my end... but I'm back!! I'll jump right into it then!

For a few weeks now I've been studying the book of James, particularly James 1:2-4:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

A little background on James to get started. James was actually the brother of Jesus and  was often known for being righteous and just. He actually didn't even believe that his brother was the Messiah until after Jesus' death and resurrection. He was a man of authority within the church of Jerusalem and wrote these letters found in the book of James to Christian converts from the the twelve tribes of Israel. James writes about what qualities Christians should have, how to treat our fellow brothers and sisters, and various other things that are expected from us as Christians. And apparently he looked like this:

or this..

(nice beard haha)

So in James chapter 1:2 James says to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials". As I read this I notice one very important detail of this verse:  James says WHEN you fall into various trials, not if, but when. 

Trials are going to happen in your life it is inevitable. 

A trial is defined as an urge, an itch, or an impulse. It is an event in our lives that has the potential to either move us closer to God or push us away. Unfortunately the latter tends to happen more than the former, especially with me. A trial can be a an annoying coworker, a death of a family member, or anything in between.

There are 4 key points that teach us how to profit from trials in our lives.

1. Rejoice 

Yes it sounds crazy I know. Why would I be happy when I lose my job? What makes you think I would be smiling when my car gets repossessed? 

Because we KNOW that the testing of our faith produces patience (v. 3). Well what is faith and why is it being tested? Faith is not wishful thinking. It is not hoping for something to happen. It is not just saying that things will get better and not believing that they will. FAITH is complete and total trust in God. 

2. Trust in the Lord

If we rejoice it shows God that we trust Him, it shows God that we have faith. The second part of verse 3 says that patience will be produced through our trust in God. Trials + Faith = Patience

The word patience here also means endurance. It is the ability to persevere through hard times and struggles. 

3. Remain Steadfast/Endure

"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (v. 4).

We have to learn to let our trial play out. God is doing a great work in us. He is maturing us in our faith. He is making us pure and holy and righteous, as He is. When a trial comes I challenge you to face the trial. Do not run away from it. Do not try to fix the situation with your own knowledge and power. Please understand that God's power is so much greater than ours. Understand that trials are for your training. 

4. Request Wisdom

And if you have no idea how to deal with the trial, JUST ASK. "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (v. 5). Ask God what you should do and He will tell you. He will guide you and instruct you in the way of wisdom (Proverbs 4:11). Disclaimer: This part requires that you listen to God and obey what He says. The most often time I hear God speak is through the Holy Spirit which He has given us (John 14:16). 

So what am I being trained for? Why does this all matter? Well Peter 1:6-7 says:  

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

When Christ returns He will see our faith and see that we have endured through our hardships on Earth. And He will be pleased with us. For me, knowing this is enough to get me through each day. 

Be encouraged this is only for your training. 

Live in Love. Live in Peace. Go in Freedom

-Daniel