Faith That Perseveres in Trials and Temptations
Introduction
How do we respond when faced with trials or temptation? Do we consider them growth opportunities or nuisances? Often, our first instinct is to avoid difficulties or seek immediate relief looking for a way out. However, the Bible encourages us to view trials as opportunities for growth and character refinement.
Consider an athlete training for a marathon. The early morning runs, the muscle fatigue, and the disciplined diet might seem like a burden, but each challenge he faces, will in the end strengthen his endurance. I have personally experienced the challenge and hardship of training for a marathon, and as I look back, each of those difficulties became an opportunity to become a stronger runner, building the strength and stamina I needed to run 26.2 miles and complete the race.
In the same manner, our faith is strengthened when we persevere through trials, and keep moving forward despite the challenges we face. In the book of James, the letter begins by addressing both trials and temptations, and it shows us that our response to them reveals the depth of our faith.
Trials Are Opportunities for Growth
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4, NIV)
Trials are not meaningless; rather, they serve a divine purpose. The difficulties we face have the potential to refine and shape our faith, making us more resilient and mature in our walk with God. When we endure trials with faith, they help develop perseverance, which in turn builds character. Just as I grew stronger during the marathon training, we grow spiritually stronger when we rely on God through the hardships we experience in this life.
We must view challenges not as burdens, but as divine opportunities to develop a faith that is steadfast and secure in the promises of God. Trials ultimately should bring us closer to God, and equip us for greater responsibilities in His kingdom. When we commit to persevere, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness, we learn to trust Him more, and in turn, we become more dependable for the work of the Kingdom He entrusts us with.
Facing trials will also enlarge our capacity to endure and become stronger. This process molds us into more complete and spiritually mature believers, as James states, becoming “…mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The enemy often targets those who are making a difference in God’s kingdom. If we never face trials, it’s worth asking, “Does the devil see us as a threat?”
The Wisdom We Need in Trials
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, NKJV)
Wisdom is essential for navigating life’s challenges. Wisdom is more than just knowledge; it is the ability to apply God’s truth to our circumstances with discernment. When we face difficulties, we should not rely solely on our own understanding but instead seek God’s guidance through prayer. He promises to grant wisdom generously to those who ask in faith in Him.
However, doubt can hinder our ability to receive God’s wisdom. If we waver in our faith, unsure of God’s ability to perform and provide, we become unstable and unable to stand firm in trials. Trusting God wholeheartedly ensures that we receive the insight needed to persevere and grow through adversity. There have been times when I reacted too quickly to situations and, as a result, faced the consequences of not waiting for God’s wisdom and taking measured steps. That is why in Scripture God invites us to wait on Him.
Psalm 27:14: “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
God’s wisdom enables us to see beyond our immediate struggles. It helps us recognize the eternal value of our trials and teaches us to respond in ways that align with God’s will rather than reacting impulsively.
When we ask for wisdom with faith, God not only gives us insight into the trials we are experiencing but also the strength and clarity to go through them with patience and confidence.
The Temptation to Sin
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God.’ For God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:13-15, ESV)
Temptation is an internal struggle that arises from our own desires, not from God. While trials test our faith to refine us, temptations entice us to sin and pull us away from God’s will.
God does not tempt anyone. He is holy and separate from evil. Instead, temptations originate from within us when we allow sinful desires to take root. When we give in to these desires, they will lead to sin, and unchecked sin ultimately results in emotional and spiritual death.
Recognizing the source of temptations is crucial in resisting them. We must be vigilant, guarding our hearts and minds by immersing ourselves in God’s word and relying on His strength to overcome temptation.
Overcoming temptation requires intentional action, avoiding situations that fuel sinful desires, and surrounding ourselves with godly influences who will challenge us and keep us accountable to honor and love God. We must also pray consistently, asking the Holy Spirit to help us. When we resist temptation, we grow in discipline and holiness, and we learn to align ourselves more closely with God’s purposes and plans for our lives.
The Blessing of Endurance
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12, NIV)
Enduring trials brings divine rewards. The “crown of life” referenced by James, represents eternal life and the blessings that await those who faithfully persevere. This promise gives us hope and encouragement to endure, knowing that our suffering is temporary compared to the eternal joy we will experience in God’s presence.
When we stand firm in our faith amidst trials we are blessed, not only in the life to come but also in the present. Standing firm helps us to develop a deeper relationship with God, and trust in His ability to bless us with what we need to endure. The reward for endurance far outweighs the hardships we face, albeit, in the midst of it, we would rather escape than go through it. That’s why we must remind ourselves to stay focused on eternity and the eternal prize.
When we endure, we express our love for God, proving that our faith is genuine and that honoring Him is our highest priority. Consider Joseph, he refused to give in to Potiphar’s wife because he was committed to pleasing God above all. He chose to run, and though he was falsely accused, he remained steadfast. In the end, his perseverance through trials led to a great reward.
Perseverance is a testament to God’s power and ability to sustain us. He is faithful to equip us to handle challenges beyond our own strength. The endurance we develop through trials refines us and prepares us for greater spiritual victories ahead.
Conclusion
Trials test our faith, but they also serve as opportunities for growth. Temptations, on the other hand, must be resisted, as they can lead to sinful habits and patterns, ultimately resulting in spiritual death.
Think about your current trials, are you persevering, seeking wisdom from God, and resisting temptation? Perseverance is not only strengthened by faith but also inspired by people around us. That is the reason we must surround ourselves with people who will strengthen our resolve, and challenge us to honor God. We must choose to endure trials with faith, trusting that God is working all things for our good. And when we remain steadfast, we will become living testimonies of God’s grace and power.
“Lord, help us find joy in trials, seeking Your wisdom, and resisting temptation. Strengthen our faith and grant us endurance, that we may receive the crown of life You have promised us. In Jesus’ name! Amen.“
Questions for Reflection:
How do you typically respond when faced with trials or temptations?
What would it look like to consider them as opportunities for growth?
How can you better seek wisdom from God when facing challenges in life?
In what areas of your life do you need to resist temptation and rely on God’s strength?
Davide Colletta
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Davide is the Senior Leader
at Mission Community Church