Life is a journey filled with both joys and trials. As Christians, we are not exempt from facing challenges, and often, we find ourselves in the midst of suffering. The Bible reassures us that trials are a natural part of life (Job 5:7) and that even Jesus Himself experienced trouble during His earthly ministry. But how we handle these trials is a true test of the genuineness of our faith.
The Apostle James, in his letter, provides profound insights on how we, as believers, should navigate through trials with joy, understanding, submission, belief, and humility (James 1:2-12). Additionally, 1 Peter 4:12-13 reinforces the idea that trials can be a means of strengthening our faith, leading to increased endurance and a deeper reliance on God.
Trials Are Inevitable
Before delving into the ways Christians should handle trials, it is essential to understand that trials are an inherent part of the human experience. Job 5:7 reminds us that everyone encounters trials and suffering in their lives. This includes believers and non-believers alike. However, as followers of Christ, we have a unique source of strength and hope that sustains us through the darkest of times. God is more interested in developing our character and conduct as Christians than catering to our comfort.
Jesus Himself faced numerous trials during His time on earth. He was misunderstood, rejected, and ultimately crucified, despite being sinless. This truth serves as a reminder that we, too, will face challenges. Our faith does not guarantee a life free of hardships, but it provides us with the means to navigate through them with grace and perseverance.
The genuine test of faith
Trials can be seen as a genuine test of faith. It is easy to profess belief in God when everything is going well, but when adversity strikes, the true nature of our faith is exposed. The primary purpose for the trials we face is to test the strength of our faith.
As a Christian, you’re going to get thrown into trial, after trial, after trial in life as God, in His wonderful purposes, is testing your faith and strengthening you, refining you and finding out whether you’re attached to earthly things, finding out whether you’re heavenly minded, finding out what you really love. God will be bringing all these things into your life and through them strengthening and making you perfect, complete, lacking in nothing. In the midst of all of this, you’re struggling to get a grip on why it’s all happening.
When a false believer faces a major test, they are likely to be blown away, revealing their superficial faith. On the other hand, a genuine believer, when tested, will lean on God’s strength in prayer, recognizing his own weakness and relying on the Lord for His help.
“God never allows pain without a purpose in the lives of His children. He never allows Satan, nor circumstances, nor any ill-intending person to afflict us unless He uses that affliction for our good. God never wastes pain. He always causes it to work together for our ultimate good, the good of conforming us more to the likeness of His Son.”
Jerry Bridges
In the furnace of affliction, our true nature is exposed, showing the world the authenticity of our faith.
A classic example of suffering through trials
The story of Job
The story of Job is found in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of Job. Job was a wealthy and righteous man who lived in the land of Uz. He was known for his faithfulness to God and his upright character.
The first trial
One day, in a heavenly scene, Satan came before God, and God praised Job’s faithfulness. However, Satan argued that Job was only faithful because he had been greatly blessed by God. Satan challenged God, saying that if Job were to face suffering and loss, he would surely curse God.
God allowed Satan to test Job, with the condition that he could not harm Job physically. As a result, Job experienced a series of calamities. His livestock, servants, and all ten of his children were killed in a sudden and tragic series of events.
Despite these devastating losses, Job did not sin or curse God. Instead, he tore his robe, shaved his head, and worshipped God, saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
The second trial
Satan was not convinced and obtained permission from God to afflict Job with painful sores from head to toe. Even in excruciating pain, Job maintained his faith and integrity.
Job’s friends came to comfort him but instead accused him of secret sin, believing that suffering was a result of personal transgressions. Job defended his innocence and questioned why he was facing such intense suffering. Job’s story explores the nature of suffering, God’s justice, and the mystery of divine wisdom. Job passionately questioned God’s actions and longed for an opportunity to present his case before Him.
God answers Job
Finally, God responded to Job from a whirlwind, affirming His sovereignty and wisdom. God asked Job a series of questions, revealing the wonders of His creation and the limits of human understanding. In response, Job humbled himself before God, acknowledging his finite knowledge and lack of comprehension.
God then rebuked Job’s friends for their wrongful accusations and instructed them to offer sacrifices, with Job interceding on their behalf.
In the end, God restored Job’s fortunes and blessed him with double what he had before. Job received new children and lived a long and prosperous life, ending his days in peace and wisdom.
The story of Job serves as a profound exploration of suffering, faith, and the mysteries of God’s ways, showcasing Job’s unwavering trust in God despite immense trials.
The lessons Job learned about God
Job’s first-hand experiences with pain and suffering led him to profound insights about God’s character and his own relationship with Him. Throughout his trials, Job learned the following lessons:
God’s Sovereignty
Job realized that God is sovereign over all creation, and His ways are beyond human comprehension. In the face of inexplicable suffering, Job acknowledged that God’s wisdom and knowledge surpass human understanding (Job 38:1-4).
Humility
As Job wrestled with the magnitude of his suffering, he recognized his own limitations and humbled himself before God. He acknowledged that he was a finite creature and that God’s purposes and plans were far greater than his own (Job 42:1-6).
God’s Presence in Suffering
Job experienced God’s presence even in the depths of his pain. Despite feeling abandoned and questioning God’s actions, Job eventually understood that God had not forsaken him (Job 23:8-10).
Redemption and Restoration
Through his trials, Job gained a glimpse of the divine plan of redemption and restoration. He longed for a mediator who could plead his case before God, foreshadowing the need for a Savior (Job 9:32-33, Job 19:25-27).
God’s Justice and Mercy
Job grappled with the concept of divine justice, especially as he faced accusations from his friends. In the end, he learned that God is just and merciful, and that His judgments are righteous (Job 34:12, Job 42:7).
Perseverance and Faithfulness
Despite his immense suffering, Job remained faithful to God. His perseverance under trial demonstrated that genuine faith can endure even the most severe tests (Job 1:20-22).
Intercession and Compassion
Job’s trials deepened his empathy for the suffering of others. After his restoration, he interceded for his friends who had spoken wrongly about God, showing compassion and mercy (Job 42:10).
God’s Restoration
In the end, God restored Job’s fortunes twofold, affirming His love and care for His faithful servant. Job experienced the joy of restoration, understanding that God’s purposes extend beyond present suffering (Job 42:12-13).
How to handle trials and suffering
Consider it pure joy
In James 1:2-4, the Apostle encourages us to consider trials with joy, an attitude that may initially seem counterintuitive. Joy in the midst of suffering does not mean we are glad about the pain itself, but rather, we find joy in the knowledge that trials produce endurance and strengthen our faith.
The Christian perspective on trials shifts the focus from momentary discomfort to the transformative process that occurs within us. Rather than focusing on the pain of affliction, Christians need to “think forward” to what greater good God may have in store for us when we pass the “test of faith”.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
To endure trials with joy, it is crucial to understand that God uses them for our spiritual growth and refinement. Trials are not arbitrary punishments but instruments for our good (Romans 8:28). They are opportunities to build character, develop perseverance, and draw closer to God. Embracing this perspective helps us approach trials with a sense of purpose and hope. When you are going through a trial, ask God to reveal His purpose for the trial, and believe in your heart that He will answer your prayer.
Purposes of suffering for the believer in Christ
Some of the specific purposes of suffering for the Christian include the following:
- Refinement and Growth: Suffering can refine a Christian’s faith, character, and perseverance. Just as gold is purified in fire, trials can strengthen and purify a believer’s trust in God (1 Peter 1:6-7).
- Dependency on God: Suffering reminds Christians of their need for God’s strength and comfort. In weakness, they learn to rely on His grace and power (2 Corinthians 12:9).
- Compassion and Empathy: Through their own experiences of suffering, Christians gain a deeper understanding of others’ pain and become more compassionate and willing to comfort those in distress (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
- Greater Appreciation of Blessings: Going through challenging times can enhance a Christian’s gratitude for God’s blessings in their lives, leading to a heart of thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
- Testimony and Witness: How Christians respond to suffering can be a powerful testimony to others, displaying the reality of their faith and God’s grace in their lives (Matthew 5:16).
Purposes of suffering for the unbeliever
- Awakening and Repentance: God may use suffering to bring unbelievers to a point of desperation and realization of their need for Him. In their brokenness, they may turn to God in repentance and seek salvation (Luke 15:17-18).
- Removing Hindrances: Suffering can strip away the distractions and attachments that hinder an unbeliever’s pursuit of God, drawing them closer to the truth of the Gospel (Hosea 5:15).
- God’s Justice and Warning: Suffering can serve as a warning of God’s judgment and the consequences of sin for those who persistently reject Him (Revelation 2:21-23).
- Opportunity for Redemption: In times of crisis, unbelievers may be more open to hearing the Gospel and responding to God’s invitation of salvation (Acts 16:25-34).
- Drawing Attention to Eternity: Suffering can redirect an unbeliever’s focus from the temporary nature of life to the reality of eternity, prompting them to seek spiritual answers (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4).
“God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.”
Peter Marshall
Submission to God’s Will
James 1:3-4 emphasizes that the testing of our faith produces endurance and completeness, lacking nothing. When faced with trials, it is vital to submit to God’s will and purpose for our lives. Surrendering our own desires and submitting to God’s plans enables us to cooperate with Him, allowing His work to be done within us. By doing so, we acknowledge that God is in control and trust that His ways are higher than ours. Therefore, be patient and let the trial take its intended course. Don’t fight against it.
Belief and Trust in God
Belief is the foundation of our Christian faith. During trials, doubts may arise, and our faith may be tested. However, when we choose to believe and trust in God’s sovereignty, we find strength to face any circumstance. Trusting God means accepting that He is working for our good, even if we cannot understand His ways in the midst of trials.
Humility and Dependency on God
Trials have a way of humbling us and revealing our dependence on God. When we face difficulties beyond our human capabilities, we learn to lean on God’s strength. It is through our weakness that God’s power is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). Cultivating humility allows us to acknowledge our need for God’s grace and seek His wisdom and strength in times of trouble.
Our faith in Christ sustains us and gives us hope
Navigating through trials and suffering is an inevitable part of the human experience. As Christians, we are not exempt from facing hardships, but our faith in Christ sustains us and gives us hope in the midst of challenges. The trials we encounter test the genuineness of our faith, separating superficial belief from genuine trust in God.
Drawing inspiration from James 1:2-12 and 1 Peter 4:12-13, we learn that enduring trials with joy, understanding, submission, belief, and humility leads to increased endurance of faith. Through trials, we find strength in our Christian faith, knowing that God is refining us, shaping our character, and drawing us closer to Him.
Let us embrace trials with a renewed perspective, understanding that they are not meaningless suffering but an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation. As we walk through the valleys of life, let us lean on God’s strength, trusting that He will guide us through every trial and lead us into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.
