As Christians, we often fall into the mindset that if we're in a trial, it is a bad thing and we try to escape the trial. This is a normal response for humans. What we don't understand or appreciate is that trials help refine us, grow us, and test us.
The Lord's purpose in allowing trials is to refine and grow us. In Psalm 66:10, it says, "For thou, O God, hast proved [tested] us...as silver is tried." The writer of Psalm 66:11-12 goes on to say, "Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads, we went through fire and through water; but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place."
Notice that after all afflictions of fiery trials, falling into nets, having affliction through fire and water, and having men ride over their heads, they ended up in a wealthy place. The result of coming through the trial was a better place than before, a place of abundance and good. The result of the test was a new level.
When the Lord refines us, we lose our impurities and become more valuable. Our ability to reflect His glory becomes greater. Our capacity to show His light becomes brighter. Our witness for Jesus and the truth becomes greater and stronger. The fact that the Lord tests us shows that He values us. The next time we're tested, let's remember something better is coming!
