The Test of Perseverance in Suffering
James 1:2-12
Godly Response: Even under severe trials, the faith of a person who is truly saved is not shaken, and that person feels a form of joy and a form of peace that surpasses all comprehension. This joy and peace come from knowing that Jesus is still on His throne, and He has been given all authority in the heavens and on earth. Yes, even when we are experiencing severe trials, Jesus is in control, and as a sovereign God, He could have prevented that trial, but according to His master plan, He allowed it to happen, because it serves a purpose, and we know that God works all things together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
The Bible teaches that our lives will include an abundance of trials. This reality causes great frustration to unbelievers trying to create their own little heaven here on earth. Jesus, our Lord, suffered the most severe trials of anyone in the history of man, and He sacrificially endured those trials for the benefit of others, i.e. all who accept and submit to Him as Lord and Savior. We, on the other hand, do benefit from enduring and persevering over trials. One common way that trials work in the life of a Christian is that trials test our faith. As we trust in God and see Him walk along side us through trials, it grows our faith and trust in Him. We are still required to work diligently and pray earnestly through trials, and as we embrace the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, it grows our spiritual gifts and increases our ability to serve Jesus and others. See the "Trials" Bible study for a more detailed discussion on trials.
Some trials, however, CAN and should be avoided. Trials can come as chastening for sin. Like any loving father, God loves us too much to let us wallow in sin that we should be overcoming. Trials for chastening from a loving Father may be what it takes to get our attention.
Worldly Response: The worldly response to trials is characterized by doubt and falling away from God. Trials frequently reveal false believers. False believers have very little tolerance for trials, and when they feel the heat, they quickly doubt God. They doubt God's power to see them through the trial. They doubt God's love for allowing the trial. They doubt that God has a greater plan for them as a result of overcoming this trial. They may even doubt God's existence. Therefore, trials frequently identify those who are not really of us, for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us.