“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance, perseverance). But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete (mature), lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4
There are four things that we want to see in this passage of Scripture as stated last week: our attitude toward trials, that trials are inevitable, the purpose of trials and the goals of trials.
Last week we looked briefly at Scripture concerning our attitude toward trials and the fact the trials are inevitable. This week let’s look at the purpose and goals of trials.
Concerning the purpose of trials:the testing of your faith produces endurance [steadfastness].’  
Our faith is tested when we find that times are difficult. Those are the times that we turn to the Lord; those are the times that we come to know Him in a living reality/personal way. How we respond reveals to others the reality of Christ in our lives. 
Webster’s Dictionary defines--Endurance: “the ability or strength to continue despite adverse conditions.”Steadfast: “fixed in direction; firm and unwavering in purpose, resolution, faith.”
In trials we learn of God’s sufficiency:The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:7-9,“…a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Hebrews 6:11-12 speaks of the full assurance of hope for our maturity,
“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Hebrew 10:35-36 tells of the need of endurance,“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”
Concerning the goal of trials:Notice the word ‘let’ or ‘allow’ the trials to accomplish the work it is intended to do. Why?
The Amplified Bible says, “…so that you may be people perfectly an fully developed…”
Speaking of Paul’s labor in the church, Colossians 1:28 says,
“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
In the closing of the Colossian Letter, Paul speaks of Epaphras’ fervent prayers for them,
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.” 4:12
2 Corinthians 4:17,
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
 
Romans 8:28-9,
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren.” 
These things being so -- how can we not give thanks in all thing? Giving thanks keeps us aware of God’s presence and reminds us that He is always with us in every circumstance.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Thank you Father for your mighty and loving work in each of us! Amen