“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles 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.” James 1:2
Why does God allow trials in our life? They help build our
faith and dependence on God. The Bible says our faith is like gold that needs
to be purified and refined in fire. The joy comes when we realize the fire
makes the end product more valuable and beautiful.
Expect Suffering
Our hope cannot be based on a
comfortable, trouble-free life here on earth. Jesus said, “In this
world you will have troubles, but have courage! I have overcome the world” John 16:33. Jesus tell us to expect it; He says you will have
troubles, not if you have troubles. Jesus’ promise is victory over the things
of this world, not happiness in them. The Bible warns against us loving this
world and its comforts (1 John
2:15-17). This world is fading away, and so
are the pleasures it holds.
Suffering Builds Faith
Jesus died to make us holy and
righteous. Our strength of character and faith is more important to him than
our temporary happiness. “We confidently and joyfully look forward to
sharing God’s glory. We can also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know
that trials develop endurance; and endurance develops strength of character,
and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” Romans 5:3-4.
When trials come, we are forced to trust in God. We realize
we cannot depend on our own strength and knowledge. Jesus wants us to believe
in his promises no matter what our current situation is.
Focus On the Joy
When we focus on Jesus and the things in heaven, we see that
our troubles here on earth are only temporary. They cannot compare to the
wonderful things God has ready for us in heaven.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,
and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1
Corinthians 2:9. We can endure
suffering when we have faith in God’s promises for eternity. Jesus himself was
able to endure the cross “because of the joy awaiting him.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Let our prayer be this: “For
I want to understand what really matters, so that I may live a pure and
blameless life until the day of Christ’s return. May I always be filled with
fruit of my salvation--the righteous character produced in my life by Jesus
Christ--for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” Philippians
1:9-11
