“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). God will test the faith of His people at various times and to various degrees. These testing experiences (what James calls “various trials”) can range from inconveniences to disasters. These are experiences that we would prefer to avoid it possible. If God has the power to spare us of these trials, why does He allow them to take place? James says these trials are testing our faith. Why does God test our faith?
1. He loves us. “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives’” (Heb. 12:5-6).
Discipline is painful, but it is an act of love. Parents lovingly discipline their children to give them correction and to guide them in developing good character. God does the same thing for us, allowing us to develop endurance, perseverance, and hope (Rom. 5:3-4), with the goal of us being perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).
2. To purify our faith. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6-7).
Precious metals like gold are purged of their impurities by fire. The intense heat of the smelting pot causes these impurities to separate and burn away. We have bad habits, bad attitudes, bad motives, and bad desires that must be removed to make our faith pure. It is through times of suffering and testing that we learn how worthless and hindering these things are to our spiritual lives, and how much we truly need God.
3. To strengthen our faith. Fire is also used to strengthen steel. Through a meticulous process of heating and cooling, the metal’s microstructure will change, and it is made stronger. It was through severe testing that Abraham’s faith was both strengthened (Rom. 4:20) and made perfect (James 2:22). Like our physical bodies and minds, our faith will only become strong with use. Knowing this, God provides tests and trials for our faith, sometimes pushing us to the limit, to make us stronger and more fit for service in His kingdom.
When our faith is being tested, we can either resent God’s efforts and give up or we can acknowledge God’s love and cooperate. This is why James followed the instruction of enduring various trials with an admonition about wisdom. “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” (James 1:5). We need wisdom to see the spiritual realities behind the trials of this life. Such wisdom will give us the proper perspective: “Satan intends to destroy my faith with these sufferings, but God intends to strengthen me by them. I must cooperate with God and trust in His purpose for my life.”