Lesson Three of REMEMBER. RECORD. RECITE.
Trials and Tribulations, Self-Examination, and Prayer
In life, we will undoubtedly face tribulations—external assaults that come from the enemy or others. These assaults may test our faith, challenge our peace, and attempt to pull us away from the Lord. However, even in these attacks, God calls us to draw closer to Him. Jesus reminds us in John 16:33 (NIV), “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” While tribulations may seem overwhelming, they can bring us closer to the Lord when we turn to Him for strength and refuge. In the midst of assaults, God often strengthens our reliance on Him, builds our perseverance, and refines our faith. These challenges offer an opportunity to deepen our relationship with the One who has already overcome the world.
On the other hand, trials—the failures or missteps that come from our own shortcomings—can also serve as a pathway to spiritual growth. Our failures are not outside of God’s grace and mercy; He can use them to teach us, if we will receive his loving discipline. Hebrews 12:6 says, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” When we fail, it is often a reminder to turn to God, acknowledge our weaknesses, and trust in His strength. Just as God used Peter’s denial to humble and restore him, our trials—especially when we fail—can lead us back to a deeper relationship with Him and greater transformation.
Like a good parent, the Lord uses the opportunity of both trials and tribulations—whether they are assaults or failures—to teach us and help us grow in His character. Every hardship or difficulty we experience can always have spiritual benefits in our life if we allow it.
In 2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV), Paul instructs us, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.” This call to self-examination invites us to look closely at our trials and tribulations, whether they come as assaults or failures, discerning the spiritual benefits that God is working in and through us. As we face these challenges, we will see that each one offers an opportunity for growth and transformation.
Prayerfully examining each situation, whether it’s an assault or a failure, will reveal the spiritual benefits God desires for us.
BENEFITS that may apply to your testimony:
Testing and Strengthening Our Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of our spiritual lives. It’s what leads us to salvation. Ephesians 2:8 (NKJV) tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” But faith does more than bring us to salvation—it also compels us to obey God, and obedience activates His promises, as we see in Matthew 9:29 (NKJV).
The trials and tribulations we face are often the means by which God strengthens our faith. Thomas Manton, a Puritan preacher, aptly stated, “While all things are quiet and comfortable, we live by sense rather than faith. But the worth of a soldier is never known in times of peace.” Trials and tribulations are the testing ground for our faith, and they reveal how deeply we trust in God.
1 Peter 1:7 (NASB) highlights that trials and tribulations test our faith, making it “more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire.” As we face these challenges, the result is praise and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. God allows trials and tribulations not only to test us but to reveal to us the strength—or weakness—of our faith, as seen in King Hezekiah’s story in 2 Chronicles 32:31 (NASB). God doesn’t need to know what’s in our hearts; He uses trials and tribulations to help us discover it for ourselves.
Weaning Us From Worldly Attachments
When we first accept Christ, our hearts turn away from worldly pursuits and focus on Him. However, over time, we can accumulate more possessions and desires that keep us attached to this world. Galatians 5:16-18 (NIV) teaches us to walk in the Spirit and avoid being led by our flesh, which is often at war with the Spirit.
Trials and tribulations serve as a reminder of the futility of relying on worldly things for comfort or solutions. In moments of hardship, we often turn to things that offer temporary relief, only to realize they can’t provide lasting peace. John 6:5-6 (NASB) illustrates this when Jesus tested Philip by asking where to buy bread for the crowd. Philip’s response was from a worldly perspective, but Jesus used the situation to display His divine power. Similarly, trials and tribulations challenge us to shift our reliance from worldly comforts to God’s supernatural provision.
Moses’ story in Hebrews 11:26 (NIV) shows how he chose to give up the fleeting pleasures of Egypt for a higher calling, focusing on the eternal rather than the temporary.
Revealing What We Truly Love
Trials and tribulations also reveal our deepest affections. For Abraham, his son Isaac was the greatest love of his life, yet God tested him to see if he loved Isaac more than God. Trials and tribulations often test our love for God—if we truly love Him, we will trust Him through hardships. Deuteronomy 13:3 (NIV) warns us that God tests us to see if we love Him with all our heart and soul.
Jesus’ words in Luke 14:26-27 (NIV) stress the importance of putting God first, even above our closest relationships. Trials and tribulations reveal whether we are willing to make such sacrifices, just as Abraham did when he was willing to offer Isaac in obedience to God.
Enabling Us to Help Others in Their Suffering
Sometimes our trials and tribulations are not just for our growth but to equip us to help others who are suffering. Jesus’ words to Peter in Luke 22:31-32 (NIV) remind us that we are to strengthen others once we have overcome our own trials and tribulations. Similarly, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NASB) says that God comforts us in our affliction so that we can comfort others with the same comfort we have received.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NIV) reveals that Jesus understands our suffering because He endured every trial and tribulation we face. This allows Him to be a merciful High Priest, and it enables us to help others with the comfort we have received from God.
Producing Perseverance and Endurance
Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) teaches that suffering produces perseverance, which in turn builds proven character and hope. Trials and tribulations prepare us for future challenges, strengthening our spiritual endurance. In Acts 14:19-22 (NASB), we see Paul enduring incredible hardship but continuing to preach and strengthen the believers. Through his perseverance, he helped others remain steadfast in their faith.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) encourages us to run the race of faith with endurance, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Each trial and tribulation strengthens our spiritual muscles, enabling us to face greater challenges and fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.
Adapted from: MacArthur, John. Benefiting from Life’s Trials: [James 1:2-18] (John MacArthur’s Bible studies). Moody Press, 1988.
Conclusion
Trials and tribulations are not merely obstacles to avoid—they are opportunities for growth. God uses them to strengthen our faith, wean us from worldly attachments, humble us, and prepare us for eternal glory. They reveal what we truly love and teach us to value God’s blessings. As we endure, we become more equipped to help others in their suffering and to persevere through life’s challenges.
Take time to reflect on the trials and tribulations you have faced and ask yourself how God has used them to shape you. Embrace the spiritual benefits they bring and allow them to refine your faith, making you more effective for His Kingdom.
Project Three:
Review your testimony and identify any spiritual benefits that apply. Integrate these insights into the details you’ve already shared in Project Two. Use this opportunity to get creative with your storytelling, ensuring that your message is clear and concise. As you continue refining your testimony, share it regularly with your group. Your goal is to confidently tell your story in detail from memory.
Lesson Four: Precepts of Your Testimony
Learn six key precepts for effectively sharing your testimony in Lesson Four: Precepts of a Testimony. Discover how to glorify Jesus, incorporate Scripture, and encourage others with your personal story of faith.
