What's a trial???

Trials vs. 2 Trials are not direct allurements to sin Trials are: 1. life experiences – like sickness, poverty, bereavement, persecution, etc. 2. character probes – failure, stress, conflict, etc. 3. spiritual distractions – busyness, complaining, indifference, etc.

Responding to Trials The Godly Response: Consider it joy The Normal Response: Grumbling Discouragement Pouting

Spiritual Logic Trials – develop testing of faith Testing of faith – develops perseverance Developing perseverance – makes Maturity Mature?? Why?? Do I have too??

The Struggle How do you make sense out of Trials # 1. Trials develop maturity. # 2. Trials promote opportunity for talking to God. # 3. Trials address unbelief. # 4. Trials expose attitude. Trials make us real.

Having Joy in Trials Joy in trials is impossible Unless You see yourself as a Servant (a voluntary attendant)

My Prayer Lord, help me understand when I have no idea about things. Lord, let me consider Joy when I feel like complaining. Lord, I would pray to be mature but that would be dangerous. So – Lord just help me be Your Servant