James 1:2-4

The bible demonstrates that we sometimes do have to go through trials. It may not feel good but it sharpens and makes our dependency on our Lord stronger. 

When we are not dependent on God for everything. We are saying that we can do it better than He can.

#1) The trials that God brings are to sharpen us and make us more like Christ. 

* They are designed to test, purify and increase our faith. (Verse 4, "That you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing")

Does this mean that you are going to be the kind of person that never falls? NO 

* What it means is that when temptation comes you are going to be strong enough to turn its back on it because you have seen for yourself that God will bring you through any situation.

*Once you have seen Gods hand in your life you will never want to go back to trying to achieve results in your own strength any more. 

* It will increase your faith to such a measure that there really will be no other way but God's way.



#2)  when our faith is a tested faith. It brings us into a better place with God. (Look at psalms 66:10-12)


#3) Sometimes we go through trials just to learn a lesson.

* He wants to get our attention because we keep on making the same mistakes

* Like getting over our heads with debt (HE MAY NOT GET YOU OUT SO EASILY SO THAT YOU WILL LEARN A LESSON FOR NEXT TIME) We just refinanced our house.. we have been there before and spend the money foolishly..

*Sometimes the only way that God is going to get our attention is by letting us go through it then coming to the rescue!!!



#4) when we go through trials and come out victorious it brings Glory to God.

* When we are going through the trial we wonder where God is. But once we have conquered. He always gets the Glory. (Verse 3. "Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, or KJV patience"

* If you ask God for patience or endurance, you will get trials.

Patience or long suffering (KJV) or perseverance for the Christian is; the ability to bear trouble without grumbling.


* It's one of the fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, along with love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

* It's a product of a good heart that obeys God. (Look at Luke 8:15)

* Patience or perseverance is a product of our faith (look at Rom. 8:25).


Close with James 1:5-7