A Biblical Understanding of Trials - Part One

A Biblical Understanding of Trials

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12-13)

What is the Purpose of Trials?

A trial is the process of proving the quality or worth of something or someone. Trials are tests of your faith, patience or endurance through the process of suffering.

Three primary Greek words are translated as "trial" in the New Testament. Each has a slightly different emphasis in meaning, yet they all reveal God's purpose for trials and suffering.

Dokimion... proven faith - A testing trial in which your faith is proved genuine. - "These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:7)

Purosis... refined character - A fiery trial through which your character is refined, as gold is refined (implies suffering). - "Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Peirasmos... tested commitment - trial or temptation through which the quality of your commitment is tested.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

God Meant if for Good - Genesis 37-50

Wherever he went, young Joseph incited resentment and jealousy. This favored child of Jacob needed refining, and it was no wonder that his brothers determined to do away with him after he bragged that one day they would bow down to him (see Genesis 37:5-11). Joseph's story illustrates how God smooths the rough edges of our character by various trials and testings that build confidence in His purpose and provision for us.

The sands of abrasion were very real in Joseph's life, for God used his trials of rejection and suffering and years of undeserved punishment to soften him. Joseph's self-centered spirit was replaced with compassion even for those who had tried to harm him (see Genesis 45:8-11). More importantly, Joseph learned to trust God. His most powerful pronouncement was made when he told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives" (Genesis 50:20).

"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 Peter 5:10)

What are Some Truth About Trials?

Trials are experienced by everyone. - Do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4:12)

Trials have a divine purpose. - "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us." (Romans 5:3-5)

Trials last only for a while. - "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." (1 Peter 1:6)

Trials are controlled by God. - "God... will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Trials strengthen you in your weaknesses. - "I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Trials come with God's grace for endurance. - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

What Process is Possible During Trials?

Little apple seeds that grow into large apple trees go through a process of change. A process is marked by a series of natural, gradual changes that lead toward an end result. This is exactly what God has in mind when He allows trials to enter your life. If, like the seed, you are willing to die to self, God will begin a process in you that can result in great spiritual growth.

"Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." (John 12:24)

The Process ... In the Psalms

Trials turn you to God. - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?' These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng. Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42:1-6)

Trials bring God to you. - "You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry." (Psalm 10:17)

Trials motivate you to cry out to God. - "I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. In the path where I walk men have hidden a snare for me." (Psalm 142:1-3)

Trials lead to personal examination. - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:23-24)

Trials draw you back to God's will. - "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." (Psalm 119:67)

Trials draw you to God's Word. - "It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees." (Psalm 119:71)

Trials produce a hatred of sin. - "Since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin." (1 Peter 4:1)

Trials produce a heart of humility. - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)

"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." (Psalm 126:5)

How Do You Handle Critics???

A monk joined a monastery and took a vow of silence. After the first 10 years, his superior called him in and asked, "Do you have anything to say?” The monk replied, "Food bad.” After another 10 years, the monk again had an opportunity to voice his thoughts. He said, "Bed hard.” Another 10 years went by and again he was called in before his superior. When asked if he had anything to say, he responded, "I quit.” "It doesn't surprise me a bit. You have done nothing but complain ever since you got here."

John Mason in You’re Born An Original, Don’t Die A Copy, writes, “You can always spot a failure by the way he criticizes success. Those who can – do. Those who can not – criticize. Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it in the first place. If it were not for the doers, the critics would soon be out of business. Envy provides the mud that failures throw at success. Whoever criticizes to you will criticize about you. If someone belittles you, he is only trying to cut you down to his size.”

So, How Does One Handle The Critics?

One should listen to it & evaluate the merit of it. - Evaluate the merit of the criticism independent of the person: Is the critic accurate? Do they have a legitimate concern? Often this involves time of speculation and prayer. This is why it is good to surround yourself with godly people who can help you with this process. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—“ (Proverbs 1:5 NIV)

Secondly, look at the source of the criticism. - What is their intent? Do they have an agenda in mind? Are they chronic complainers? “Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.” (Proverbs 20:11 NIV)

Finally, determine if action should be taken, whether it be a change or an apology. - Correction and self-control will lead you through life.” (Proverbs 6:23b)

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; who does actually try to do the deed; who knows great enthusiasm, the great devotion and spends himself in a worthy cause; who are the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”

April 10th, 1899, Theodore Roosevelt

Two Important Words!

Two Very Important Words!

A while back, I picked up a book called Heart at Work compiled by Jack Canfield & Jacqueline Miller. In the book, Steve Wilson tells the story of Norman Guitry was giving a lecture to group of freshman students preparing for service in the Mental Health field. What he said was remarkable:

"Everything you need to know about mental heath can be summed up in only two words. Ninety-five percent of the mental health problems we deal with today could be eliminated if everyone would practice this two word prescription, if everyone would live by these two words."

What are the two words?? Don't Belittle

He went on, "Don't belittle. Don't put people down. Don't make anyone feel small. Don't be judgmental or critical in ways that diminish another people's sense of themselves. Most of the problems of crime and abuse, academic failures, problems between bosses and workers, broken homes and addictions can be traced to low self-esteem. Don't belittle. Remember it. Teach it. Live it."

What Does The Bible Have To Say About This?

FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE IN OTHERS - You will find what you are looking for everytime!
"Keep your mind on what is true, pure, right, holy friendly and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

LIFT UP AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER - Treat People the way that you want them to treat you! "You must encourage and help each other!" 1 Thessalonians 5:11

SPEAK WORDS THAT HELP AND HEAL RATHER THAN WORDS THAT HURT AND DESTROY. Words do matter! Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal." Proverbs 12:18

"Words Can Bring Death or Life! Talk too much and you will eat everything you say! Proverbs 18:21 (CEV)

Use your words wisely today! Build Up Others! Are you using your words to build others up or tear someone down?

Right or Wrong? That is the Question!

How many times, usually while watching the evening news, have you asked yourself the question, “How could they not know what they were doing was wrong?” It is amazing how seemingly wise and sane people can be blinded or demonstrate such a disregard for doing what is right.

How do you determine what is right and wrong? Years ago, Harry Emmerson Fosdick, professor at Union Theological Seminary, developed a formula that helped him determine right from wrong. It is incredibly practical as we struggle with that same challenge today.

Six Ways To Tell Right From Wrong

The Common Sense Test - Are you simply being foolish? How would you judge someone else if they did the same thing? “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2 NIV

The Sportsmanship Test - Are you playing fair? How would you feel if someone else did the same thing to you? If it is not right for everyone, it is probably not right for anyone. “Treat others the way you would want them to treat you.” Matthew 7:12 CEV

The Best Self-Test - Are you trying to be the best that you can be? Will it help you become a better person? “Work hard at whatever you do.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 CEV

The Publicity Test - If everyone knew what you were doing, would you still do it? It is surprising how the light of public knowledge changes our perspective and our behavior. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIV

The Most Admired Person Test – Would the person you most admired do this? If you told that person about it, would you feel proud or ashamed? “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NIV

The Foresight Test – What can possibly go wrong? Could you live with the consequences? “Do not brag about tomorrow! Each day brings its own surprises.” Proverbs 27:1 CEV

Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. William Penn