WHEN TRIALS COME[1]
The letter of James in the New Testament is a most practical book. James writes about the “flip side” of the “coin” of salvation. On one side is the source of our salvation – the grace of God. On the other side is the outworking of our salvation – the process of character growth to become more like Jesus. So, James gets right to the point in his opening words, showing that trials and problems in life are the means by which God molds us into the people he has created us to be. “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” [2]
When trials come, no longer fear, for in the pain our God draws near to fire a faith worth more than gold, and there his faithfulness is told; and there his faithfulness is told.
Faithfulness. That is not what readily comes to mind when we are facing trouble or trial. But it is in those times that the faithfulness of God is on fullest display. It is not in the easy times but rather in the hard times that the peace of God, the strength of God – the very presence of God! – are what we desire. And it is then that we are most receptive.
Within the night, I know your peace; the Breath of God brings strength to me and new each morning mercy flows, as treasures of the darkness grow; as treasures of the darkness grow.
It is in times of trouble that we see our weakness on display and realize that our own wisdom or skill is not enough to deal with what we are facing. In these times, we need to heed the words of Solomon: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” [3]
I turn to wisdom not my own, for every battle you have known. My confidence will rest in you; your love endures, your ways are good; your love endures, your ways are good.
Jesus is our Savior and Lord. He came to deliver us from bondage to sin through dying on the cross and rising from the grave. But he, by the Holy Spirit, is also the source of comfort and strength in our most difficult moments. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” [4]
When I am weary with the cost, I see the triumph of the cross. So, in its shadow I shall run, till you complete the work begun; till you complete the work begun.
Christ is always at working, doing new things in and through our lives – even in the times of trial. Theologian J. I. Packer once said that “God is always doing ten thousand things in your life, and you may be aware of three of them.” The apostle Paul told the Corinthians that “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”[5] This new hymn from Keith and Kristyn Getty encourages us by reminding us that, when our trials are most poignant (e.g., at night and in tired seasons), we can turn to the victory of the cross and the hope of heaven.[6]
One day all things will be made new; I’ll see the hope you called me to, and in your kingdom paved with gold, I’ll praise your faithfulness of old; I’ll praise your faithfulness of old.
When Trials Come
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
[1] Words and Music: Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty © 2005 Thank You Music Ltd.
[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Jas 1:2–4.
[3] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Pr 3:5–6.
[4] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1989), Mt 11:28–30.
[5] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 2 Co 5:17.
[6] The Sing! Hymnal, 2025, p. 942.
