Rejoice in the Trial

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

Have you ever prayed “Dear Lord, how could I possibly consider being tested a joy?” I know I am able to do so only by standing firm upon His word. I know I must trust Him to change either me or the situations I find trying because I realize all too well that the trial isn’t always just what it appears to be on the surface. We can always trust that the outcome of life’s trials will be for our good and His glory but I know I’ve also had to pray “Forgive me Lord, when I forget that my trials aren’t just about how they affect me. Help me remember there’s usually much more at stake as You are working trough the trial in ways that I cannot see.” Remember, the outcome of the trials we face often impact for eternity the hearts of others. The bottom line should always be this; that we want the results the trial will produce – completion, perfection, lacking in nothing - when we’re faithful to endure.

If your faith is being tested today just remember that encountering various trials is just a part of living on the earth and though a trial is never easy attempting to devise our own solutions instead of enduring according to God’s word can often prolong or worsen the trial. Kay Arthur teaches that nothing ever happens to us without first being filtered through God’s fingers of love and the desired end result is always for our good and His glory.