James 1:3

“…knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

There is something that we should know when it comes to going through trials. We should understand and hold onto the knowledge that God is in control. God is involved in working out something good for us. But He expects us to make Godly choices.

It is the same kind of testing that was done to prove the value of metals or coins. The testing is done to see what is there, if there is anything valuable or not. There are standards that we are to be living by. God is examining us to see what we are made of; He is looking to see what will come out of our hearts; to see if we reflect the mind, nature, and character of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Our testing has an impact on us. It produces several things, but one by-product is “patience.” The Greek word for “patience” is a very interesting word. It is normally translated as “patience” or “endurance,” but that definition is far too passive. It is not the kind of patience that passively endures. It is not simply the ability to grit your teeth, hunker down, and bear things, waiting and hoping it will all just pass you by. It is the ability to face those difficulties. It is the calm in the midst of a storm. It is the ability to turn them into greatness and to glory. It is the quality that makes you able, not to just endure suffering, but to vanquish it. It is that kind of frame of mind, that attitude and approach. It is a certain level of mental toughness and mental fortitude.

When we go through trials, we have to keep hoping on God to help us through it. It is not just standing around and enduring, but it is hopeful of the outcome. The testing of our faith is to make us stronger. The intention is, not to break, but to strengthen.