WHY DOES GOD ALLOW US TO GO THROUGH TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS?

James 1:1-3

One of the most difficult parts of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple of Christ does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through such things as the death of a child, disease, and injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardships, worry, and fear? Surely, if He loved us, He would take all these things away from us. After all, doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly teaches that God loves those who are His children, and He “works all things together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). So that must mean that the trials and tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all things for good. Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose.

As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into His (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. It is part of the process of sanctification, being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory. The way trials accomplish this is explained in I Peter 1:6-7: "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." The true believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever.

Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus set the perfect example. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). These verses reveal aspects of His divine purpose for our trials and tribulations. Persevering proves our faith. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).

However, we must be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" if they are a result of our own wrongdoing. "By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler" (I Peter 4:15). God will forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in this life for our sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good.

Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. . . . Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:2-4, 12).

Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have the victory. "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." Although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over the believer. God has given us His Word to guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us, and the privilege of coming to Him anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRIALS, TRIBULATIONS AND DIFFICULTIES

The terms trial, tribulation and difficulties are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct meanings. Trials and tribulations are very important in our life. If we are receptive, trials and tribulations demonstrate exactly where we are in our spiritual life. Then we get clear evidence of how much of the life of God we have, and how much we don't have.

There isn't one single word in the Bible about “difficulties!” It can't be found in the Bible, but it can be found in people because they don't believe what is written in the Bible.

WHERE DO DIFFICULTIES COME FROM?

Difficulties arise when we react differently than God's Word says we should. We take things in the wrong way; we react incorrectly. In other words, there isn't anyone else who can create difficulties for you. That is a total misconception. It isn't true; it's a lie. No one can create difficulties for you or hurt you!

No one can make you unhappy; that is something you do yourself by not taking things exactly as God's Word says you should. When people talk and complain and moan and groan about their difficulties, they think their difficulties are caused by others.

Trial: Generally refers to a test or challenge that one faces. It can be any difficult situation or hardship that tests a person's patience, endurance, or faith. Trials are often seen as opportunities for growth and learning.

Tribulation: Is usually more intense and refers to severe suffering or distress. Tribulations are often associated with significant hardships or persecutions that believers may endure.

While both terms denote difficulties, a trial is typically a test or challenge, whereas a tribulation implies more severe suffering or distress.

TRIAL, TRIBULATION AND DIFFICULTIES

Trials and tribulations are an inescapable part of human life, testing our resolve and challenging our faith. In the quest for spiritual guidance and fortitude, the Bible remains a timeless source of wisdom (II Timothy 3:16–17).

Difficulties arise when we react differently than God's Word says we should. We take things in the wrong way; we react incorrectly. In other words, there isn't anyone else who can create difficulties for you. Difficulties a a result of the decisions and choices we make.

No one can make you unhappy; that is something you do yourself by not taking things exactly as God's Word says you should. When people talk and complain and moan and groan about their difficulties, they think their difficulties are caused by others.

HOW DOES GOD USE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS?

God uses sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good. Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward. "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

The phrase “trials and tribulations” refers to the challenges we endure in life that test our faith, love, hope, and more. Trials and tribulations can be simply defined as "difficult experiences, problems, etc", they are plainly bad things or times that we endure.

Trials and tribulations are more than just hardship. In trials of unfortunate circumstances, our faith is tested and our devotion to Christ can grow from this suffering. "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance..." (Romans 5:3). It is through our trials and tribulations, that the authenticity of our trust in God is revealed. 

THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN A TRIAL AND A TRIBULATION:

1. Definition: A trial refers to a test or challenge that one faces, often related to personal growth.

2. Nature: Trials are typically seen as temporary challenges that can lead to positive outcomes.

3. Tribulation: Tribulation refers to a state of great trouble or suffering, often prolonged and more severe.

4. Emotional Impact: Trials may evoke feelings of stress but can also inspire resilience; tribulations often lead to despair or deep distress.

5. Purpose: Trials are often viewed as opportunities for learning and development; tribulations may feel like burdens without a clear purpose.

6. Biblical Context: In religious texts, trials are often seen as tests of faith, while tribulations are associated with suffering and persecution.

7. Duration: Trials are usually short-term, while tribulations can last for extended periods.

8. Outcome: Trials can lead to personal growth and strength; tribulations may result in hardship and struggle.

9. Perspective: Trials can be perceived as challenges to overcome; tribulations are often viewed as overwhelming obstacles.

10. Support: People may seek help during trials for guidance; during tribulations, they may seek support for relief from suffering.

TRIALS ARE DESIGNED TO CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE (James1:2)

If you are alive and breathing, you’re going to face trials. The only way to be exempt from trials is if you die and go to heaven. So, when we face trials, how must we respond? Consider it joy.

When you run into a trial, instead of bickering, complaining, whining, crying, seeking revenge you should know that God is up to something - consider it pure joy! This doesn’t mean that we should feel good about the pain of our problem. Our natural response is to consider the situation and ask why? It doesn’t make sense. James says you are to evaluate your trials from the standpoint of joy. If we have the right attitude about these trials, then we will be able to say, "Lord, I don’t know why this has happened - but I know you are up to something - You’re trying to teach me something. And because I know you are up to something, I’m going to praise You - not because of the pain I’m having to endure, but because of how I will mature because of this." That’s what it means to consider it all joy! Your attitude determines your outcome. Your attitude determines your actions. It’s not about your feelings; it’s about your choices.

JOY IS A CHOICE

Happiness and joy are two different things. Happiness is based on circumstances. You get a raise, you are happy. Your favorite team wins, you are happy. Joy is not related to circumstances, it’s related to decisions. So, even if the circumstances in life leave you sad, you can still ‘consider it joy!’ v-3: "Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."

CONFIDENCE COMES WITH KNOWING

Having the right attitude about trials means to know what you are facing. Some people do not know that God is trying to teach them something, and therefore lose perspective on the whole thing. When you are able to put your trials into proper perspective, then you will be able to overcome you situation. But to do that you must know. The problem today is that there are too many spiritual babies. When things don’t go their way, they throw a fit and cry.

TRIALS TAKE YOU TO A NEW LEVEL OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY

Trials are the launching pad for your next level of spiritual growth (James 1:3: "Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." The Word of God says that a trial is the testing of your faith. It’s a test. But it’s only a test. Trials are a time for us to draw closer to God. We are being refined by God in our trials. Trials are opportunities to glorify God.