“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various [a]trials, 3
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect{fully developed, mature} and complete, lacking in nothing.”-{James 1:2-4}
Trials Are INEVITABLE –“When” not “if, maybe, or there’s a possibility you may encounter trials,” no, James says “When!” Trials are inevitable. Job said, “Yet man {people} is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.”-{Job 5:7}. Jesus said, ” In the world you have tribulation…” -{John 16:33}. Peter said, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”-{1 Peter 4:12}. The word “encounter” means to “fall into,” it is used of the man who was beaten up by robbers in the story of the “Good Samaritan,” where it say he was “suddenly,” unexpectedly jumped upon. At times coming out of nowhere, you didn’t see them coming, but know that trials are… “Inevitable!”
Trials Are A NECESSITY -“Knowing,” the word has to do with an “understanding mind.” God does not want His people ignorant but informed about trials. Why are they a NECESSITY? Because God uses them, “… that the testing of your faith …Produces…” “Produces,” from The Greek words “kata and ergazomai ” literally, “work down to the end-point,” i.e. to an exact, definite conclusion (note the prefix, 2596 /katá); bring to decisive finality (end-conclusion).
The word “Produces,” speaks of “bringing about,” to a conclusion, “achieve.” They are a necessity as God uses them for a purpose…
Trials Are To Be PRODUCTIVE – Note what the goal of the trial is “…Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing..”-{James 1:3-4 Amplified Bible}.
To “produce” spiritual maturity, God has chosen to use trials as part of His means to bring about, achieve spiritual maturity in His people!
Trials are unavoidable, they are INEVITABLE.
Trials are a NECESSITY in God’s order to bring about His goal for the believer.
Trials are meant to be PRODUCTIVE – Spiritual Maturity.
But trials do not automatically mean because you go through one, or many, that you will Spiritually mature! It’s not about the amount or intensity of trials you go through but whether you or I respond God’s way, that makes the difference!
What is God’s Way?
There are 4 Commands that have to be known and applied in order for trials to “Produce” what GOD Desires, namely
- Immediately commence Rejoicing- “Count it all joy,” Literally means “lead the way with Joy!”
- “Knowing,” has to do with an “understanding mind.”
- “Let” has to do with a submissive will. You submit to what God is doing and practically by choosing to rejoice not for rejoicing sake but because you know what God desires to produce in you!
- “Ask,” a command, in your trial for “wisdom,” He commands us to ask for wisdom because that is what He says we need. We may think we are “wiser” but He tells us what to ask for and we would be “wise,” to heed His Wisdom, who is wisest of all!
Trials are INEVITABLE.
Trials are a NECESSITY
Trials are meant to be Spiritually PRODUCTIVE