By Neil Anderson
September 9
James 1:2, 3
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance
There certainly are a lot of distractions, diversions, disappointments, trials, temptations and traumas which come along to disrupt the process of becoming the person God wants you to be. Every day you struggle against the world, the flesh and the devil, each of which are opposed to your success at being God’s person.
But Paul reminds us that the tribulations we face are actually a means of achieving our supreme goal of maturity: “We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3-5). James offers similar encouragement: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
Maybe you thought your goal as a Christian was to escape tribulations. But God’s goal for you is maturity in Christ, becoming the person He designed you to be. And tribulation just happens to be one of the primary stepping-stones on the pathway. That’s why Paul says we exult–meaning to express heightened joy–in our tribulations. Why? Because persevering tribulations is the doorway to proven character, which is God’s goal for us.
Our hope lies in proven character, not in favorable circumstances nor in the manipulation of others. Neither circumstances nor people can keep you from being what God wants you to be. Trials and tribulations are the most common means for bringing about His goal for your life.
Prayer: Lord, help me see my trials as stepping-stones, not obstacles. Give me grace to persevere and develop proven character.
Related articles
- Trials Are The Soil In Which Faith Grows (inspirationalchristiansfortoday.com)
- Chiseled (jvr3.com)
- Perfecting Patience (holdingforthhisword.wordpress.com)
- Five Things to Pray For! Day One (hiddenbeautyministry.wordpress.com)

Greg is a strong believer in Jesus Christ and in the need for revival in today’s Church. He likes reading, writing, music, and spending time with his family and his dog Roxie. By day he is a self-employed non-emergency medical transport driver, and is the Editor-in-Chief for the National War Council, as well as being a political analyst, author, blogger, and an accomplished DIYer. His articles are first published on Inspirational Christian Blogs, and I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ!, and from there the articles are published on other well-known conservative websites.
The author feels convinced that the Church is in extreme danger of being forsaken by God for being unbiblical and seeks to warn all those with “ears to hear.” He believes we are in the last days of the end times, and that God is building His Remnant Church even now.
Greg is the author of: Spiritual Darkness is Destroying America and the Church
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Categories: FAITH FOR TODAY, INSPIRATIONAL DEVOTIONS




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Wonderful explanation. Posted this on Facebook for a few friends that are going through tough times. Thanks.
Hi Dru!
God bless you
Greg
Reblogged this on Through the Eyes of This Calvinist.
Reposted it on MY FB timeline