Do Trials Make Us Patient?

“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. 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” (James 1:2-5).

The hardships of life build patience in us. But that growth depends on us. Christians respond in different ways to the troubles of life. Some fall away when they face tribulation and persecution (Matt. 13:21). Others endure the trial, but they don't learn as much as they should. They don't get rid of attitude problems or work on their weaknesses. They drift back into the same careless patterns in their spiritual life. Why does this happen?

James said it’s not enough just to make it through the crisis. He said these trials will bring patience—but, you must let patience have its perfect work. Let the effects of the trial sink in. Meditate on what you have learned. Don’t rush back to your earthly routine. Don’t go back to being lazy about your prayer life and Bible reading. Decide to do better. Commit to loving God more. Allow the fire of tribulation to mold you thoroughly into the complete Christian you need to be. Examine your heart, your speech, and your actions. Let this bad experience be a stepping stone to maturity, not an inconvenient interruption to your plans. Let the trial change you completely, not just in one or two ways in general. All of this takes something Christians in this age are unwilling to give: time.

And what if you aren’t as wise as you need to be? What if that is what we lack as we face troubles? James said to ask God for wisdom and He will give it if we believe. It’s easy to pray when we’re in pain. But many times we are so glad when it’s over we just want to relax and enjoy. There is a place for that. But we must not forget that the Lord has been merciful. It seems that I remember a story about nine men who failed to see that (Luke 17:11-19).

Kerry

West End church of Christ • June 8, 2025