"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)
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)
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)
1 comment:
Trials allow you to learn and to grow stronger,not only in life but in God also.
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