Our growth in the Lord comes about in various ways. The results of the tests that trials and troubles put us through is one way that we grow. Many of us would not be where we are in the Lord without some of those tests in our lives. Our faith is made stronger and we discover the power of God through the test. Also, we learn to depend on God when we are going through trials and troubles. It may sound strange, but trials can bring joy. We may not see it at the beginning of the test, but at the end, we can rejoice when we think about how the Lord sustained us. In James 1:3, we find these words:

“For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”

James was writing this epistle to Christians who had come out of Judaism and were not only facing persecution from their Gentile overlords and the religious leaders of Israel, but also from their fellow Jewish countrymen. His letter implies that many were facing deep financial hardship as well as severe persecution for their faith, so he encouraged them to consider it joy when they encountered various trials and hardships because the testing of their faith produced perseverance, steadfastness, and patient endurance. Prayerfully, when troubles come our way, we will consider them as an opportunity to grow so that our lives will glorify our Father, who is in heaven.