I think the IVP commentary on these verses stated it best in these simple but helpful diagrams.
Trial --> Testing --> Perseverance --> Maturity.
(This is the dynamic that we see in the verses leading up to v. 12)
Trial --> Temptation --> Sin --> Death.
(This is the dynamic we see in vv. 13-15)
The difference in the two diagrams is found in the second step. How do we respond to the trials in our lives? Do we receive them as times of testing/refining or do we respond by giving into temptation?
Application: As trials come up in my life, I find it incredible hard to "press into" them and see them as opportunities to trust God. My natural instinct is to run away or seek some sort of easy way out. In fact, one of the easiest ways to deal with trials in life is to try to "ignore" them and hope that they go away. But as many of us can attest, it doesn't work that way.
I gave this message to some of our Adults during our snow trip. I challenged them to think about some of these applications.
Attitude Check: What is my attitude like in the midst of the trials of my life? Am I exhibiting the "joy of the Lord" even when things aren't going my way? My vision for my life is simply this: WHAT I do is secondary to HOW I do it. This requires me swallowing my pride and ego and learning to be humble. I am constantly telling myself to take each day one day at a time and to treat every interaction, decision, and relationship with the gravity that it deserves.
Posture Check: Do trials lead me to trust God more or do I try to seek an easy way out? The imagery is simple that of "open" or "closed" hands. Will I receive trials (open) or will I do things on my own (closed)?
Heart Check: One key verse found in this passage is v. 17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." Do I believe that God is for me and not against me? Do I see the trials of my life as part of God's good and perfect gifts to me? Will I learn to trust Him and believe that good things can and will come out of the trails of my life?
Prayer: Lord, you know that January was a rough month for me. I feel like I barely made it through it spiritually. I don't know if I persevered or simply survived but I know that February is a new month and I am so grateful for your mercies that are new every morning. Keep me in Your grace and sustain me in my highs and lows. Thank you so much for a much needed "retreat" this weekend and thank you for the blessing of my Church Family.
