56: Your Trial is Not Strange

What You'll Discover in this Episode:

Trials, difficulties and Impossibilities are not arbitrary and point-less from the Lord's view. They will produce desired spiritual results if we respond appropriately. What are the benefits of trials in the Christian's life?

The Benefits of  Trials

1 Peter 1:6-7 speaks of godly suffering and indicates some of the spiritual benefits that can result:

“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, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Although we have great cause for rejoicing in the Christian life, we can also face considerable grief as a consequence of the assorted trials that come our way. Yet, such grief is certainly worth the discomfort, because of the spiritual dividends that it may produce.  Through the challenging situations of life, our faith can be demonstrated as genuine.  When difficulties arise, they provide an opportunity to trust in the Lord. 

Observers can see that our claim to faith in God is real, not merely religious words. We prove authenticity. We also are thereby given a chance to see the reality of our own dependency upon the Lord. 

Additionally, our faith is refined unto greater purity and reality. In 1 Peter, God likens faith unto gold, which goes through a refining process.  Gold ore is intensely heated, so that the worthless dross might be separated from that which is precious.  Similarly, God takes us through circumstantial fires, that true faith in Him might be separated from dependence upon ourselves or others. Ultimately, all of this process climaxes at the return of the Lord Jesus, when He gets all of the honor and glory for what He did in each situation, as we trusted in Him.

Make your comment below and tell me a brief story about how this truth applies to you life. I look forward to reading your testimony!

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