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1 Peter 1:6-7

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith … may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

First, let’s get some Biblical groundwork. Matthew 7:11 tells us that God gives good gifts to His children. At the same time, He disciplines His children (Hebrews 12:6-11). In 2 Corinthians 12:7, we learn of Paul’s thorn in the flesh, given by Satan, which would be a trial. Beyond that, we see clear examples and statements of testing (not trials) coming straight from God in Genesis 22:1-17 and Deuteronomy 13 : 3.

Let’s quickly mention temptations and tests. Temptations are never from God (James 1:13). They are from Satan. They are meant to make us fall. Even though that may be true, God can allow us to grow (Romans 8:28), especially when we defeat the temptation.

Although trials and tests are not EXACTLY the same, they are not entirely different, either. Most people tend to use them interchangeably in conversation. God uses trials to test our faith. God would be the source of tests, not Satan. The purpose of a test is for us to see whether or not we can depend on God’s strength and rise to the occasion.

God allows trials, but He will also send them at times. Unfortunately, they are painful and we don’t want them. Their purpose is to refine and make us more pure and faithful, something that God will bless and use.

God uses trials to make us more Christlike. Romans 8:29 states that God will conform us into the image of Jesus. As we talked about during our series on the book of James, that if we walk through trials WITH Jesus, our faith and maturity will certainly grow.

Trials are not always God’s doing, even though many people point the finger at Him anyway. They are also not always our doing. Sometimes I have to discipline my kids, but that doesn't mean that consequence or trial comes from me. Sometimes, they are reckless and other times, they are in the wrong place at the wrong time.

We live in a fallen world and trials are going to occur. This fallen world will take its course and nature will do what nature does, unfortunately. Sometimes things just happen due to the natural order of events. Jesus said in Matthew 5:45 - [God] sends the rain on the just and the unjust.

Paul’s thorn, a trial for him, came from Satan. He asked God for relief, but God said, “No.” It was meant to keep him humble so he would depend on God’s grace and power, not his own. The trial came from Satan, God allowed it, and caused Paul’s faith to mature because of it.

But if we fail, what happens? Does God turn His back on us? No. He will never turn His back on Christians, ever.

Look at King David. He ruined so much due to pride and selfishness. He ruined marriages and even kids. They grew up struggling with rebellion, murder, rape, and even incest. People have to pay for their own sins, absolutely, but David struggled as a father.

In addition to bringing some trials on himself, David didn’t handle many trials with godliness and strength. Never forget, though, that the Bible still calls him “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). 

What happens when we fail? God doesn't say “Forget it. I didn’t know you were going to do that. I’m done with you.” Nope. He knew you would mess up. He is ready and quick to forgive. Psalm 136 states 26 times that “His mercy endures forever.”

James 1:2-4

2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.