In James 1:2-3 we read: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

Wow, that’s heavy. But what is a “trial,” anyway?

A trial is a difficulty we face on the path of life which, in how we handle it, reveals who we truly are. But the testing of your faith, however, can lead to something:

Perseverance.

When it comes to trials or tests of faith, maybe we want to run for the hills. And perhaps we sometimes we do! But James encourages us to adopt a more proactive attitude: Trials and tests can produce perseverance.

That means forging ahead and staying faithful no matter what. As my Louw & Nida Greek dictionary tells me, perseverance is the “capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances.”*

Stand fast. Look to God. Keep praying. Study the Bible. Love your neighbours. Be humble. Do the right thing. Rest. Worship. Know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Trials don’t define you—they refine you.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

By Matthew Ruttan

–“The trials that refine you.” Today’s devotional is connected to my latest sermon. Click here for watching or listening options.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.