Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.
James 1:12
One thing that happens during challenging circumstances or adversity is a test of our attitudes and affections. Trials bring to light the actual desires of our hearts. Our benevolent, sovereign Father ordains trials for us, but His character forbids that He would seek our hurt. Trials in God’s economy are purposeful. God’s faithfulness will allot trials for various reasons, including 1) to teach, 2) to prove genuine faith and love for God, 3) to expose superficial faith and love for God, 4) to discipline.
Trials are indeed blessings in disguise, as J.A. Motyer writes, James teaches us that trials are blessings, in that they lead forward to maturity and the crown of life. But they do not do this by some inherent power of their own. Everything depends on our response and the use we make of our circumstances. Every circumstance we meet, therefore, requires a decision: will we persevere to go on with God, or will we listen to the voice which suggests the easy way of disobedience and disloyalty?
A trial rightly met means opportunities for growing and glorifying God; but a trial wrongly met yields temptations to evil – to attitudes and actions that counter the character and purpose of God. Whether a trial is rightly or wrongly met depends on which desires reign in our hearts. We pursue what we desire.
What do you desire most? On what object are your affections set (Col.3:1-3)? May God’s Spirit have the freedom in you to establish the desire for God that was in the Psalmist, Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:25–26).
O great God of highest heaven, occupy my lowly heart.
Own it all and reign supreme, conquer every rebel part.
Let no vice or sin remain that resists Your holy war.
You have loved and purchased me, made me Yours forever more.
You are worthy to be praised with my every thought and deed.
O great God of highest heaven, glorify Your Name through me.
Bob Kauflin, Sovereign Grace Praise
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