“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” (James 1:2-4).
Neither spiritual maturity nor spiritual victory is accidental. Each is a byproduct of the development of spiritual grit and determination.
Through trials, the strengths and flaws of your faith are brought to light. The night of Jesus’ betrayal and arrest exposed to Peter a previously unrecognized flaw in his faith. Though bitter and painful, the trials which befell Peter that night ultimately increased his grit and eliminated a dangerous impurity in his faith. Such an opportunity for spiritual progress is sufficient reason for rejoicing.
Note how warmly Peter embraced this truth when he wrote: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Not only do diverse trials build character, they purify your faith. A purified faith results in the salvation of your soul (1 Peter 1:9). If these are not sufficient reasons for rejoicing, what is?
