1. What's a trial???

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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.

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

7. 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