The Gift of Trials

If the trials of many years were gathered into one, they would overwhelm us: therefore, in pity to our little strength. He sends first one, and then another, then removes both, and then lays on a third, heavier, perhaps, than either; but all is so wisely measured to our strength that the bruised reed is never broken. We do not enough look at our trials in this continuous and successive lesson which is beyond the power of any to teach alone. -H.E. Manning

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I try to not be disappointed when I hear children of God laughingly say, “Don’t pray for patience!” as it is the all-encompassing kiss of death upon the joy of a child of God. I know they simply mean that fruit of the spirit comes with a high price, but I wish they would consider they are also implying they by no means are willing to pay that price.


As I pray for depth of character, be it wisdom, patience, fortitude or strength. I should and must realize the means by which those traits are possessed. They are not endowed, for endowment engenders shallow disregard, but rather they are wrought - wrought by impasse, strife, temptation and hard tough terrain. We should not disregard the truth and pray for the end without accepting the means.


My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 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. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:2-8


Why can you rejoice in trial? You know the end of that trial, or at least you should. Consider this passage in context. Is James really going to say in one breath to rejoice in trials that produce patience, but if you ask for wisdom it’s going to be delivered on a silver platter, or it will be in the next puddle you fall into? This is why James establishes the need for single-mindedness. Know that your prayer will produce a trial, and when it does have faith, and you will receive from the Lord what comfort He desires to work into your life.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-6


Are you called to minister? Know then that you are called to trials and sufferings. With what else would you comfort the people of God? By what other means would an oil be beaten to feed the flame of the lampstand which is the church? (Revelation 2:1)

Just like the children of Israel it may be in your affliction and trial in which you are equipped to do the work for the kingdom of God. You see Israel went into captivity in Egypt a nomadic people skilled in herdsman ship and short term farming. They left with the skills of blacksmiths, carpenters, tradesman, scribes, masons and more. They left their captivity with everything they had need of.

Now the children of Israel had done according to the word of Moses, and they had asked from the Egyptians articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing. And the LORD had given the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they granted them what they had need of. Thus they plundered the Egyptians.
Exodus 12:35-36


And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.


Romans 5:3-5