The Blessing Of Trials

A devotional by

Pastor Bobby

I love epic adventure movies—the ones where the hero has to embark on a grand quest, usually to rescue someone or to find a legendary weapon to defeat the villain. Typically, the hero has to face a massive trial to learn something deeper about themselves. Sometimes, the entire movie is just one big trial designed to teach them a lesson. Think of movies like The Maze Runner or The Hunger Games; they all feature a grueling trial that the main character must endure.

​ We might not be legendary movie heroes, but we all go through trials of our own. And when we do, there are valuable lessons we can learn and take away from them. Now, let's be honest: none of us like going through trials. They aren't fun. However, they are absolutely beneficial for our growth. In their own unique way, the trials we face are actually a blessing.

​The Purpose of the Trial

​The Apostle James talks about this very topic in his letter. James 1:2-4 (ESV) says:

​"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. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

​James shows us through these verses that going through trials produces a steadfast faith—and I would argue, a deeper love as well. He even goes so far as to tell us to "count it all joy."

​How can going through a trial possibly bring you joy? It is quite simple: according to this passage, trials produce faith and steadfastness, which ultimately draw you closer to Jesus Christ.

​What is Faith?

​ What is faith? It seems like a simple question with a simple answer. For the most part, it is a simple question with a simple answer, but it is still incredibly important. Faith is complete trust, confidence, or a strong belief in someone or something. At its core, it is trust.

​When we go through trials, we come out on the other side knowing that Jesus has our back. This is why James tells us to count it as joy when we experience hard times. It is because through them, we learn to trust Jesus more and grow closer to Him—which is the greatest blessing we could ever receive.

​How to Push Through

​When we are right in the middle of a trial, it is so easy to forget this perspective, especially at first. But the more trials you experience, the easier it becomes to remember this truth and to hold onto all the promises of God.

​So, I want to encourage you to look ahead and see the blessing at the end of your trial. As a pastor, I usually hate it when people say, "Just push through." But sometimes, that truly is the best thing to do. Push through the trial, and remember these key truths:

​Remember His faithfulness: Reflect on all the blessings God has given you before, both big and small.

• ​Stay connected: Keep communication open with God through constant prayer.

• ​Lean on community: Ask godly people to pray for you and support you.

• ​Stay in the Word: Read Scripture daily and anchor your mind on truth.

• ​Pursue Christ: Strive to get closer to Jesus, knowing that this trial is helping you do exactly that.

• ​Above all, remember that God truly loves you.

​A Personal Reflection

​In closing, I want to share a quick story. At the college I attended, one of the mandatory requirements for graduation was completing an internship. The summer before my senior year, I had one all lined up, but it fell through at the very last minute. I could have just gone home, but something told me to stay.

​That summer ended up being incredibly rough. I didn't have a regular job, so I could barely afford food, and I didn't have an internship at the beginning of the season. It was a genuine, stressful trial. But God made things happen and provided exactly what I needed to get through it.

​Even now, whenever I face a financial crisis or other types of hardships, I have the faith that God will get me through it and teach me along the way. So, my brothers and sisters, count it all joy when you go through trials. Because in the hands of God, trials are a blessing.