James 1:2 says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” Is there really anyone out there who can say that they greatly rejoice while going through trials, suffering, pain, sickness or whatever kind of troubles befall us? I know I can’t say that and mean it.

Yet there is a purpose for these troubles. There is usually a lesson attached to them. We can learn a great deal from our trials if we stop fighting them and ask the Lord to help us to learn what we need to learn through them. He loves us greatly and has our best in mind.

Romans 5:3-4 tells us that our trials help us to develop endurance, perseverance, character, and hope, which does not disappoint. Sometimes our trials will allow us to help others who are going through the same suffering that we already survived.

The Bible tells us that we will have trials, suffering and pain in this world. It’s a guarantee. But sometimes God allows the troubles to come to test us and see if we are learning the lessons He’s been trying to teach us. Are we getting it, and are our lives changing as a result?

Don’t be surprised by the trials and circumstances the Lord allows in your life to test you. James 1:3 says, “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” Psalm 66:10 says that God tests us to purify us like silver. As precious metals are heated in the fires, the impurities come to the surface to be removed.

Some of God’s tests can be tremendously heart wrenching. Hebrews 11:17 tells us, “It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing Him.” Yet Abraham passed the test of faith and received his son back alive.

Some of God’s tests are just plain extreme, such as Deut. 8:2: “Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character, and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.” Forty years is a long test, and most did not pass it but died in the wilderness.

God will test us to see what our level of devotion is to Him. Deut. 13:3-4 says, “The LORD your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the LORD your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.”

Tests are a necessary part of growth, and most of the time come disguised as trials and circumstances we’d rather not deal with. But as we allow our faith to be tested and comply with whatever other tests the Lord is giving us, it is a chance to see how much we’re changing and growing.

Are there times when you feel like you’re going round and round the same mountain of trials over and over again? Seek the Lord about what He is trying to teach you. Hold onto His hand and don’t let go. Continue to cry out to Him to strengthen you, surrender it all to Him, and do your best to pass the tests of faith.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 845-482-5300.