One thing that both believers and unbelievers have in common is that we all struggle with the trials and hardships that come with life. But even though both believers and unbelievers share this struggle, believers have the ability to respond to trials differently.
But how does the believer respond to trials? What is the biblical model for responding Godly to the trials we face?
James, the half-brother of Jesus, shares a great deal about trials. In his letter to the dispersed Christians he walks them through how they should handle hardships. James broke this down into 3 major sections.
Christians Respond to Trials With Joy
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
James 1:2-3 shows us that trials are not something to enjoy, but rather, to see it as joy. The believer can look at the trials coming their way and consider it a joy to experience because within trials, we have the opportunity to have our faith tested and to see if our faith is truly as strong as we think it is.
Trials Produce Spiritual Endurance
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:4 takes it one step further and explains that through trials, not only do we have the opportunity to test our faith, but we have spiritual endurance produced within us. This spiritual endurance is vital to our longevity in the faith. A strong faith requires a strong endurance to continue through the trials of our life.
Believers have access to Wisdom from God.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
James 1:5-6 speaks to those who are not yet spiritually mature. For those who are not yet spiritually mature and capable to walk through trials with perfect faith, you are not alone. James teaches that we have access to wisdom from God who willingly gives it to those who ask.
Understand that James is not saying that every doubt is a negative thing. James' words are in response to those who have no foundation in faith. The imagery of the waves point to this. Those with zero faith are like a wave, they go wherever the circumstances take them. We as believers must be firmly planted in our faith and to ask for the wisdom you need to grow in spiritual maturity.
Want to learn more about how the believer responds to trials? Check out these additional resources.
Comments