This is Why You Keep Experiencing Trials

Dear Partners in the Gospel,

Do you ever wonder why you keep facing trials after trials? Have you ever looked around at the people who seem to be enjoying their lives while you are constantly dealing with personal trials after personal trials and wondered what is wrong with you?

What if I told you that there is a reason, a truth behind why you continue to experience trials, but you may not accept it.

As we go through various trials and difficulties in our lives, let us remember the words of James 1:2-4, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Is it possible that your perception of those around you who seem to be living their best lives - laughing, loving, excelling, and progressing - is partially flawed? They are living their best lives, but that doesn't mean they aren't facing trials. They are also plagued by personal, familial, financial, emotional, and communal trials!

How is their experience different from mine? It's their perspective! James tells us to “”Consider” it all joy when we encounter various trials.”” In other words, how we judge our trials determines how we experience them. How do you approach your trials? Do you consider them with a negative perspective or with a faith perspective? The living, laughing, loving, progressing and fulfilling group includes those who consider their trials with a faith attitude. Conversely, if you view your trials with a negative attitude, then you will be a member of the group that is bitter, sad, angry, and miserable.

Though we may find these trials difficult, have you ever considered how difficult they must be for our Heavenly Father to allow us to experience them? In spite of this, they serve His divine purpose of strengthening our faith and producing endurance within us. Instead of losing heart, let's trust in God's plan for us, knowing that through these trials we will become more complete and perfect.

Trials are inevitable and are meant to stir up joy and faith, because you are about to go to a greater level of maturity in your walk with Christ—this is the paradox of our faith. Let us therefore face these challenges with joy and faith, knowing that they are molding us into the people God intends for us to be. In the end, we will not lack anything if we hold on to our faith and endure through these trials.

Pastor Julian Rooks