How do we get the most out of our trials? In these familiar verses, James lays out three steps to maximizing the effect of trials in our lives. First, we must embrace trials as God's instruments of change (
vv. 2-3). Second, we must allow trials to complete God's purpose in our lives (
v. 4). Third, we must view trials from God's perspective (
vv. 5-11).
The Nature of TrialsThe first few verses of James' exhortation include a number of characteristics that are true of all trials. It will be helpful to keep these in mind as we begin our study of James' instruction:
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Trials are intentional. "Testing of your faith" (
v. 3) implies design. Trials are not random occurrences of time and chance. Nor are they the capricious dealing of a despotic deity. On the contrary, God has designed them to fulfill specific purposes in our lives. Knowing they are not arbitrary and fall under the sovereign hand of God can provide us with supernatural peace in the worst of circumstances.
Trials are unavoidable. I had a seminary professor who greeted all incoming freshmen with a hard dose of reality. He would tell each of us, "If your life is good, if all is going well and if all is just as you have planned, you only need to wait. Trials will come." He was right. Notice that James does not say "if" trials come, but "when" trials come (
v. 2). Trails are a part of the human experience and cannot be avoided. So, stop trying. "For man is born for trouble, As sparks fly upward" (
Job 5:7). The sooner we learn how to face them the sooner we can learn from them.
Trials are unexpected. The word "encounter" (
v. 2) means to fall down around or to fall into. It is the same word used in
Luke 10:30 to describe the man who was surprised and overtaken by thieves on his way to Jericho. Our trials are like commandos that swoop down on us out of nowhere. Yet, James does not want us cowering in fear wondering when the other shoe will drop. He wants us to have joy.
Trials are unpredictable. James says they are "various" (
v. 2). That is, they are diverse and unpredictable in their nature. They could be short (or long), physical (or emotional) and a personal experience (or the experience of someone else). Often times, trials are those moments in life when we find ourselves saying, "I never thought this could happen to me."