Why Trials?

God wants His children to grow in grace an in the knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But why did He chose trials as a means of sanctification?

There are so many passages in Scripture that indicate the purpose and nature and theology behind trials that our sovereign Father sends/allows/ordains etc. I'm going to hit some of the passages in coming days that expose why trials are so wonderful for believers.

1 Peter 1:1-9

He's writing to believers that are scattered throughout Asia, having been blamed for the burning of Rome. They are experiencing trials that we typically know nothing about - fear of life, land etc. In short, Peter reminds them first of their election (vs 1), then of their regeneration (vs 3-6), and then he gives them a very specific reason for the persecution they face.

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, as was necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of you faith--more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire--may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Peter says that the various trials were experienced so that the believer's faith might be seen as genuine. He likens assurance of true saving faith as more precious than gold. Typically, we would think that money might solve problems, but God knows that a heart assured of it's Salvation is worth more than any financial sum on Earth. How wonderful to have a God that is interested in pacifying the fears of our wavering hearts by sending trials to show us that we have the real thing. A faith that is not true saving faith will only falter during trial. A faith that is the real kind of faith that Jesus describes will trust in the Sovereign One during a time of adversity.

This is cause for thankfulness in the face of adversity.