"What is God's purpose as He tests us?"

2 Chronicles 32:31
"God left him to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart."

1. To test the strength of our faith that we might know where our strength is, or isn't.
2. To humble us, lest we think more confidently of our spiritual strength than we should.
3. To wean us away from worldly things.
4. To call us to a heavenly hope so that we live in the above and not in the below.
5. To reveal what we really love.
6. To teach us to value the blessing of God and to appreciate it as it comes to us out of the times of suffering.
7. To enable us to help others in their trial, to bear one another's burdens.
8. To develop enduring strength for greater usefulness so that God can thrust us into greater places of ministry and effectiveness.

Now aren't these all worthwhile purposes? All of these fit into the plan of God by His grace. But the question still lingers in your mind, as it does mine..."I know they're going to come and I know all of these things are God's purposes...and He wants to accomplish all of this. I can buy that. But it still doesn't answer the question: how do I get through it in the middle of it? How do I make it through? It's fine to have all this in place on a list in my sermon notes - how do I get through that trial?" And that's where James 1:2-12 really speaks to the heart.

The Means to Persevering in a Trial are:

1. A joyous attitude. "My brethren, count it all joy..."
2. An understanding mind, "Knowing this..." that this test is producing something.
3. A submissive will, "Let patience have its perfect work." In other words, let it happen because God is at work.
4. A believing heart (in verses 5 to 8). Ask God for what you need. And ask (verse 6 says), in...what?...in faith. You have to have a believing heart to believe that God has a purpose and that He will supply everything you need for that trial.
5. And finally (in verses 9-11), a humble spirit.

You persevere through trials with a joyous attitude, an understanding mind, a submissive will, a believing heart and a humble spirit.

~John MacArthur, "The Purpose of Trials" sermon