Trials Are Productive

We live in a culture that values efficiency. "Does this product work?" "Will this plan give the results I want?" "Will this program give me gains?"

Yet, at times, it seems that God's way of efficiency runs against the grain of how we would order things in our lives. No one in their right mind would ever wish trials and suffering on themselves? But in God's sovereign design, he uses all things. He absolutely uses all things—both the good and the bad—in our lives for our good and his glory.

Here’s what God says about trials being productive.

James 1:2–4

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. (CSB)

Romans 5:3–5

. . . We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

As of April 2020, many countries experience national quarantine and lockdown. This is tragic for many families and businesses. Lives have been taken. Jobs have been lost. Families and friends have been separated.

As believers, we must view these things through a natural and spiritual lens. Naturally, to see and reach the needs of others. And spiritually, to see the hope in the midst of hopelessness. God is productive. He is producing in us a peculiar crown of glory because of this trial and any for that matter. We can trust him. He is sovereignly and lovingly productive, even though it may seem at times like we are not.

This video contains a song written by Shane and Shane about trials, with some words of hope from Pastor John Piper about the suffering in our lives.

Questions to Leave You With

• What are some truths that have helped you process trials in your life?

• How has God met you in your trials?

• What is he teaching you about himself?