Daily devotion – the trials that change us.
God’s Purpose in Our Trials
We all face trials—and let’s be honest, no one likes trials! So why does God allow them in our lives?
James 1:2–4 tells us:
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Verse 5 continues:
“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.”
Trials aren’t random—they are part of God’s loving design to grow us in maturity. The believer who truly loves God, and is confident of God’s love for them, can walk through trials with joy. Why? Because they are secure in His love. They are not double-minded, trying to live for both God and the world.
This was the downfall of Lot. He was double-minded, and when trials came, he faltered. In contrast, Abraham—called a friend of God—loved and trusted the Lord. And when trials came, Abraham triumphed and grew in faith.
God’s purpose in allowing trials is your maturity:
“Let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Another translation puts it this way:
“You must let your endurance come to its perfect product so that you may be fully developed and perfectly equipped.”
So if maturity, godliness, and spiritual strength are what you long for, then the next time a trial comes, pause and recognise: God’s fingerprints are all over it. He is working in you.