Trials are not random. They serve a purpose. The Bible tells us that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness, much like how metal is refined and strengthened by pressure and heat. Steadfastness is a rich biblical word that implies endurance and resolve—the ability to stand firm, unmoved by the pressures of life. This endurance, James tells us, leads to being “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4).
At first glance, this might seem ridiculous from a worldly perspective. Let’s be honest—what are the prevailing goals of our hearts? We desire comfort, prosperity, success, respect, and an easy road. We define a good life by how much we accumulate or how little stress we endure. But is that truly beneficial?
If our main pursuit is worldly comfort, then when trials come—and they will—we risk being crushed under the weight of disappointment, failure, and brokenness. The Bible makes it clear: trials are a part of life. But it would be both unwise and unloving to simply tell someone in the midst of hardship to “consider it great joy!” without any understanding.
Instead, think of it like practicing fire drills. We do them to prepare our minds and actions for the possibility of a fire. We don’t wait for panic to set in before deciding what to do—we plan ahead. In the same way, we must prepare our hearts and minds for the trials that will inevitably come. We must resolve in advance how we will respond when troubles arise.
We do this by grounding ourselves in the truth of Scripture, building our foundation on Christ before the storms come. According to James, these storms are used by God to mature our faith and deepen our trust in Him. Trials, for the believer, are not meaningless suffering but a divine opportunity to grow—a preparation for glory.
This confronts our natural human perspective. However, if we realign our goals with God’s purposes, only then can we truly find joy in trials. The trials themselves are not joyful, but they can become joy as we allow God’s Word, His Spirit, and His faithfulness to sustain and shape us.
I find it fascinating that James says, “Let steadfastness have its full effect” (James 1:4). This phrase implies our active participation with God in developing our faith. It’s like getting a tattoo—an imprint that remains after the process. When you get a tattoo, the process is painful and requires endurance, but the result is something permanent, a mark that stays with you. Likewise, steadfastness leaves a lasting imprint on our character. When we endure trials with faith, we come out on the other side changed, with a deeper trust in God and a more unshakable faith.
On the other side of trials, we witness tangible growth in our ability to endure. As we experience God’s faithfulness, our trust in Him deepens. Once something is tested, it can be more fully trusted.
Our perspective on trials is shaped by our view of God. If we believe He is good, then we can see trials as opportunities rather than obstacles. Through them, we come to understand our faith more clearly and trust our God more deeply. Each trial, when faced with faith and hope in Him, builds a reputation of His faithfulness in our hearts. This, in turn, produces confidence—confidence that trials are for our good, that they come from a good and sovereign God, and that He is using them for His purpose in our lives.
So when trials come, let us not run from them, but instead, lean into the steadfast love of our big God, knowing that He is refining us, strengthening us, and preparing us for something greater.
From Talk Scripture: Purpose in Trials | James 1:2-4
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/purpose-in-trials-james-1-2-4/id1786264764?i=1000686182326
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ESV Study Bible. (2010). Crossway Books.