Trials and Tests Develop Perseverance and Wisdom

Today the message is entitled “Trials and Tests Develop Perseverance and Wisdom!”

Lately, I have been working with many people who are in the midst of trials and testing that at times are overwhelming for them. As I have been praying and encouraging them, I once again realized that this battle is not new. I asked God to give me wisdom in working through these tough times with these troubled people. God led me to James chapter one!

Charles Swindoll stated: “Jame’s message calls attention to the “fruit.” Looking at what happens after salvation. It focuses on Man’s part and deals with validation.”

For fruit to be produced, it requires the plant to struggle to take root, grow stems, open flowers, start the fruit and get it to ripen. We are to produce fruit in our lives that leads others to find Christ. To do that we have to go through trials and testing.

James 1: 2-8 NIV

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds,

The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verses 16 and 19.

William Secker, in his book “The Nonsuch Professor in His Meridian Splendor” states: “Times of trouble have often been times of triumph to a believer. Suffering seasons have generally been sifting seasons in which the Christian has lost his chaff, and the hypocrite his courage.”

3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Warren Wiersbe, in his book “Why Us?” states “A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted.”

4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Charles Spurgeon is quoted: “By perseverance the snail reached the ark.”

Paul tells this to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15, 16 NIV “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourselves and your hearers.”

Eleanor’s children’s story showed Zacchaeus was persistent in his attempts to see Christ and he grew in wisdom through salvation.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

A footnote in the NIV Study Bible, “Wisdom is not just acquired information but practical insight with spiritual implications.”

Proverbs 2: 10 NIV “For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.”

Proverbs 1: 7 NIV “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

A.W. Tozer, in “The Divine Conquest,” stated “Biblical wisdom is always associated with righteousness and humility and is never found apart from godliness and true holiness of life.

6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

Paul says a similar comment in Eph 4: 14 NIV “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.”

7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

Proverbs 9: 12 NIV “If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.”

8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

1 Timothy 4:1 NIV “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

We need to look to God and His Word for guidance and then believe and follow God’s truth. Then we will not blow around in the storms of life.

Two quotes from wise men help to see this passage in a simple light.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “Call on God, but row away from the rocks.”

Martin Luther, in “Table Talk” stated: “When I find myself assailed by temptation, I forthwith lay hold of some text of the Bible, which Jesus extends to me.

Life in Christ requires us to go through trials and tests to develop perseverance and grow in wisdom. Let us walk this path together, supporting and encouraging each other forward until Christ comes back!