James 1:4

Trials of life are not the same as tests of faith. Everyone faces trials and times of suffering in this life. We cannot avoid this unpleasant fact. Tests of faith are different. Not everyone has his or her faith tested because not everyone has faith. James has already taught us that passing the tests of faith results in perseverance and perseverance results in maturity. Maturity is not the same as old age. We have all known some very mature children and some very childish adults. Spiritual maturity is the desired state we are striving for as we grow in the Spirit. James describes it as being complete not lacking anything.

None of us is born complete. A school system gives it’s students tests. These tests reveal the students level of competence. When a student has achieved competence in one area, they no longer focus as on that area. They focus upon the areas of weakness. Through testing and training, the system seeks to produce students that are well educated in all the different disciplines. Ideally, only after a student has a well-rounded education do they focus upon a primary discipline.

A teacher does not test children that are not his students. God does not test people who are not his children. God does not use tests of faith to make our life hard for us. The tests help us grow in the areas where we are spiritually lacking. No two Christians are identical. We all have our separate strengths and weaknesses. Tests of faith reveal our strengths, and strengthen our weaknesses. A Christian weak in generosity may find themselves with numerous opportunities to give to the needy. A Christian weak to fear may find themselves in a situation that requires courage. Christians weak in the area of witnessing may find themselves working with people who need very much to hear the good news. Every test is a God given opportunity to become more Christ like. God does not test me to fail me. God tests me to complete me.