Here is another benefit of trials: trials reveal sin!
God Customizes Trials talked about the wonderful benefits of trials: perseverance, proven character, hope, endurance… And how God gives us trials because He loves us.
All that is true, but another huge benefit is that trials reveal sin, leading us to repentance and growth in the Lord. Unpleasant, but necessary.
Examine me, O Lord, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. (Psalm 26:2)
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23–24)
I was forcefully taught this in an unpleasant situation with a company when an employee had made a huge mistake, and was trying to hide it. What should have been 15 minutes or less turned into more than two hours on a day when we were tight on time. I wasn’t surprised at my internal dialogue,* but I was surprised at what I said out loud. Oh no! Sin!
This trial, this God-given customized trial, given out of His love for me, and intended for my growth, showed me my sin.
You can imagine this in lots of situations:
A car crash with financial implications, inconvenience, and possible injuries. James tells us to rejoice (James 1:2). Jesus tells us not to worry (Matthew 6). But am I? Are you?
How about financial set-backs, or health issues in yourself or loved ones, or difficult people, or … ?
We must stay alert, be ready, and not be surprised at our trials.
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12)
Press on!
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*Double uh-oh. What I was thinking was sinful. The fact that I wasn’t surprised indicates a habitual issue that I must prayerfully deal with.
