Regarding Trials As Opportunities - Carla D Burnette
To become a beautiful butterfly, an ugly caterpillar endures various changes to its body. Despite the discomfort and struggle, the end result is worth the difficulty.
The same is true for Christians. At times, we encounter various trials which may involve discomfort, struggles and even suffering, but the potential outcome of growing in the likeness of Jesus Christ offsets any difficulty we may face.
Do we truly believe this? What if we regarded trials as opportunities to become more like Christ? Wouldn’t this perspective change our attitudes and actions whenever we face any kind of hardship?
Scripture tells us in James 1:2-4, “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (CSB).
Before we examine this passage, let’s define the word “trial”. The Biblical definition of a trial is “a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation”. According to verse 3, this testing strengthens our faith by producing the Christlike characteristic of endurance in us. However, for endurance to be effective as verse 4 mentions, we cooperate with the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in us.
When Facing a Trial
Whenever we encounter a trial, we have a choice to make. Either we cling to God and His Word through the trial or we focus on the hardship, grumbling and complaining our way through. The latter choice impedes the growth of Christlike character in us. As a consequence, we may lack the endurance and strength required for what lies ahead or cause a delay in God’s plans for us. Not only that, but grumbling and complaining hinders our witness of Christ to those around us. (See my post: Like a Star Shining Brightly for Christ)
Instead, let’s choose to hold fast to our Lord, keeping our eyes fixed on Him rather than the hardship. Placing our trust in Him, we know our merciful and compassionate God will comfort and strengthen us (2 Corinthians 1:3).
Through the hardship, endurance is produced in us, resulting in maturity and completeness in Christlike character. Then, the next time we encounter a trial, we recall God’s faithfulness in caring for us and the Christlike character developed in us. Keeping this outcome in mind enables us to face trials with joy as verse 1 suggests.
Trials Are Opportunities
Friends, let’s change our perspective and regard trials as opportunities to become more like Christ. May we patiently trust and allow Him to mold and reshape us into the beauty of Christ.
Whenever we see a butterfly, may it remind us that the struggles we endure are worthwhile when we become more like Christ. (See my previous post on how a butterfly reminds us to reflect God’s glory: Transformed to Reflect God’s Glory to the World)
Father, thank You that You are always with us. Help us to view trials as opportunities to draw close to You and to grow more like Christ. We desire to glorify and honor You. We love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Questions to Consider:
- How do you view trials?
- What action steps can I take to face trials with joy?
- How can I draw near to God during a trial?
Additional Scripture References:
Romans 5:3-4, “And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope” (HCSB).
Romans 8:28-29a, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son” (CSB).
I Peter 1:6-7, “for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (CSB).
