Testing and Trials

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

God may not be early in delivering a promise but neither is He ever late. He is always right on time. From a promise to its possession, there is usually a process of time that must first lapse. As such, faith to inherit the promises of God alone is not enough. We must mix our faith with patience (Heb. 6:11-12).

1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, andglory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” To God, your faith is more precious than gold. And the only way gold is purified is through fire.

Trials and testings mature our faith. Only when your faith is tested will you know just how strong a believer you are. Trials and testings also develop patience. James 1:3 says that “the testing of your faith produces patience.” The word “produce” in Greek implies a workout like that which develops muscles in a human body. Testings and trials are the workouts God allows into our lives to build strong patience “muscles.” Patience can be defined as the ability to stay constant (or the same) at all times. It is the ability to maintain composure, calmness, stability, persistence and courage in the face of trying circumstances. Patience is therefore not something passive. Patience helps you to keep on walking in faith, which is always active.

What is the definition of testings and trials? A test or a trial is anything that applies pressure on the lusts or desires of the fl esh. “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (1:14). Any pressure that draws us away from God’s Word is the beginning of a test. If we then act on that pressure, sin is inevitably the result. But with the power of patience, we can stand fast in our spiritual conviction, regardless of circumstances. Hebrews 10:35-36 says, “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” The word “confidence” in Greek means the “freedom of speech.” Patience always has to do with timing. So while you are waiting for your promise to come in the midst of testings and trials, keep on praying, confessing, meditating and praising God.
Persistent faith will be rewarded; it cannot fail.

Adapted from http://www.konghee.com/www/2009/08/testing-trials/#more-4754