What is a Trial?

This is an area where Christians have a huge misunderstanding.  Most mistakenly think that it is God who is testing/tempting them, while others believe that God is directly punishing them for a sin they committed.  Let’s correctly define what a trial is in order to ensure that we have an accurate understanding.  Trials are the testing of one’s endurance/faith; it is a spiritual test.  It is brought on us by the World and Satan.  These are two foes, spiritual opponents whom we struggle with daily.

Christ says in the Gospel of John 15:19

19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

What we must understand is that it’s not a matter of if a trial will happen, but a question of when.  It is inevitable in life of the Christian.

Why are Christians Tested?

We are tested because we believe in Christ.  Jesus sums it up in John 15:19 perfectly when He says that we are hated by the world.  We are also hated by Satan, therefore he will attack us in many ways to destroy us.  Although we don’t wish to go through trials and we certainly don’t pray for trials, however, trials have a spiritual benefit to Christians.  Paul states in Romans 5:3-5, that:

  3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

As we can see, trials make us stronger as Christians.  Now, there are a few additional reasons that I want to include.  Trials do the following:

Refine us

1 Peter 1:6-7

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Strengthen our faith

James 1:3-4

3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything

1 Peter 5:10

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Sort the true believer from the counterfeits

Matthew 13:20-21

20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.

We learn to rely on the Lord         

Throughout the process you are connected to the Lord and understand that it’s not by your own merits that you will overcome the trial, instead it’s with the grace of God.

 

What Do We Do When Faced with Trials and How Can We Prepare For It – What Do We Need (Perseverance) ?

  • Preparatory work – Study the Word, Learn to Include Prayer in Your Daily Routine
  • Sports analogy of practice before the game. The athlete doesn’t march into the match unprepared, he will lose the match.
  • Correctly identify the trial and realization of the trial – Immediately identify the trial and be aware of what is taking place. Be in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you discernment
  • Immediate stance we must assume – When in trial, immediately seek the Lord, stand firm in the faith and continue your endurance
  • Attitude we must have – Like the Apostles who were chained in prison, worship the Lord and be cheerful knowing that the Lord is with you and He will deliver you.

James 1:1

Consider it pure joy (stated by James)

  • Continue to Endure and Persevere

Romans 5:3

3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

 

Will the Trials End?

Good news, it does end, it’s not ongoing.

1 Peter 5:10

10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Corinthians 10:13

13 No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

The Outcome

We become stronger in the faith and learn how to become more like Christ.

Don’t be Afraid and The Reward

We can overcome the trials because we have Christ

Philippians 4:13

 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

John 16:33

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:28

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.

Joshua 1:9

 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 

Lastly, we will be rewarded for our perseverance, whether it’s in this world or the next.

 

James 5:10-11

10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Job 42:10

10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.

 12 The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. 13 And he also had seven sons and three daughters. 14 The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah and the third Keren-Happuch. 15 Nowhere in all the land were there found women as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance along with their brothers. 16 After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. 17 And so Job died, an old man and full of years.