A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 HCSB
Depending on which version of the Bible you are using, this passage will say blessed is the man who endures temptation or remains steadfast during a trial. Either way, enduring trials and tribulations is definitely not the “fun” part of being a Christian. But, it’s necessary for our growth process.
We are told we can rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character and character produces hope and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5). In Matthew 4, even Jesus, went through a time of trial and testing in the desert. It didn’t break Him, it made Him stronger.
During times of testing is when the devil will tempt us to stray from God. He will tempt us to take matters into our own hands or turn to sinful behavior for comfort. We must resist the devil and submit to God if we want the devil to leave us alone (James 4:8). When Satan tested Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus responded to Him with, “It is said,” or He quoted Scripture to him.
When we face times of trials and tribulations we do our fighting on our knees. We must turn to God in prayer. We must study our Bible and use God’s Words to defeat the devil. We are told in Ephesians 6:10-18 to suit up in God’s armor. The only offensive weapon is the Sword of the Spirit or God’s Word. When confronted by the devil, we must be equipped to come out swinging that sword.
Several years ago, I went through some very trying times. I might have given up except that to do so would have put someone I love dearly in jeopardy. There were times when the devil tempted me to respond to my accusers in a sinful manner. But, I stopped and prayed. Then I got into my Bible and responded with Scripture. Every time I responded with Scripture, it backed the enemy down. Scripture to the devil is like garlic is to a vampire in the movies. Jesus used it to cause the devil to flee and we can do likewise.
I’ve often heard it said that you are either just coming out of a trial, you are in the midst of a trial, or a trial is headed your way. We are going to experience trials in our lives, it’s just a part of life. John 16:33 tells us that we can have peace in Him. He reminds us that we will have trials in this world, but that we should not fear because He has overcome the world.
The question is will the trial you are going through or the one headed your way make you or break you? Will it produce, endurance, character and hope? Or, will you crumble under the pressure? If you want to be sure that you can come through unscathed, trust in God. Give it all over to Him. He will walk you through the fire and the flame, whatever comes your way.
1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us not to be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice, insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed. God uses us to reveal His glory. We are told in Romans 8:28 that for those of us that love Him and are called according to His purpose, He works all things for good. If you love the Lord and trust in Him and are obedient to Him, He can turn your test into your testimony.
The one thing I have learned through my trials is that I don’t want to face them alone. I want God with me every step of the way through the good times and the bad. If you want God, you must believe in Him, you must accept His Son Jesus Christ as your Savior. You must confess your sin to Him and earnestly repent. He will forgive you and send His Holy Spirit to dwell within you.
With God, whatever trial comes your way will only make you stronger in Him. It will bring about Spiritual maturity. But, only if you trust in Him. If you go it on your own, your trials may break you. The choice is yours.
Have a great day!