the unsearchable riches of Christ...

EPHESIANS 3:8




Select a filter to search the resources in the list.
Feb 26, 2017
Preacher: Todd Nibert
Passage: James 1:2 & Romans 5:34

Joy in Trial

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.

JAMES 1:2

How can we truly consider it [all joy] to experience a trial? There is a part of us that dreads the thought of a trial in any form. Can we really count it all joy? Yes, we can, if we are children of God. Here are four reasons:

(I.) It is God that sends the trial. If it were the devil, or simply circumstances beyond our control, we could dread the very thought of a trial in any form. But it is our heavenly Father that sends it. Whatever comes our way, is sent of God. It was God who brought up Job to Satan, and not Satan who brought up Job to God.

(II.) When God sends a trial our way, it is because we need it. Peter said, Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. Every trial God sends our way has a needs be. It is for our good, and His glory. Romans 8:28.

(III.) Trials develop character. The trying of your faith worketh patience. Trials put our faith to the test, and teach us to simply trust our Heavenly Father. Paul said in Romans 5:34, “We glory in tribulations [trials] also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience: and patience experience: and experience hope.” Trials are used by God to develop our character and strengthen our faith.

(IV.) Trials are a part of true sonship. Hebrews 12:6-8, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.”

We do not joy in the trial itself, but we do rejoice in Who sends it, why He sent it, and what the results will be. We don’t ask for trials, but they are good for us.



Back to top