"Trials for a Purpose". What does that mean? What are trials? Why do trials happen? What is the purpose behind a trial? How should I act when in a trial? Were do trials come from? In this post I will answer the following questions using scripture and other resources.
~What does 'Trials for a Purpose' mean and What is the purpose behind a trial?
James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have it's full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
When we meet trials it is a testing of our faith. Trials are "tests" that challenge faith. When trials occur, one should count it all joy- not meaning mere worldly temporal happiness, but rather spiritual, enduring, "complete joy" in the Lord who is sovereign over all things, including trials.
The purpose of a trial is to test our faith. To help us grow stronger in the Lord our God. Testing of your faith defines the meaning of a trial for the Christian: as Jesus was "tested" in the wilderness, so believers are tested.
Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
What are trials?
The act of trying, testing or putting to the proof.
When we are in a trial it is God testing us to see if we will trust in Him. The story of Abraham and Issac is a wonderful example.
God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, on Mt. Moriah. Abraham did as God asked of him, but when Abraham was on the brink of sacrificing his son, God stopped him! God was testing Abraham's faith. It was a horrible trial for Abraham, but he trusted God.
Why do trials happen?
James 1:2b
For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Trials occur to test us! To see if we truly trust in God. They also occur to help us grow in Christ more.
How should I act when in a trial?
Acts 16
Paul and Silas are another perfect example! They were beaten, thrown in prison, and put in stocks, yet they praised God! WOW! We lose a pair of socks and we go ballistic! Paul and Silas' life was on the edge of a knife and they prayed and sang to God. So how, my friends, should we act when in a trial. We should be calm, and trust in God. From losing a pair of socks, to losing a loved one we should trust in God, knowing that He has a purpose.
Were do trials come from?
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.
God places trials in our path! For the purpose of growing and trusting in Him. James 1:12 goes back to all of the questions in this post.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
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3 comments:
Amen! Thanks for posting that, Moriah!
~Eldarwen Failariel~
Good thoughts, Moriah.
We also have to remember that God does not tempt us. He DOES send trials and hardships, but he Himself does not tempt us.
1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not LET YOU BE TEMPTED beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
He allows temptation, but He does not tempt us. We also read that there is no sin unique to any one person. Everyone struggles with the same sins, and we sin when we are tempted. But it is important to note that God does not tempt us Himself. It is the devil that tempts us into sin.
Great post! :D
That's right, Caleb! Thanks for posting that, too. :)
~Eldarwen Failariel~
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