Trials: Discipling Your Kids Through Tough Timesናሙና

“We need to help teens know that their identity is who God says they are, how He has formed them, not the opinions of others…”—Craig Groeschel, ParentingTeensSummit.com interview

After writing about trials, wisdom, remaining steadfast, and temptation, James ends his teaching with a surprising warning to not be deceived about the Source of good. Why would they need such a warning?

Considering that this admonition immediately follows his clarification of the source of temptation, it seems James is emphasizing that God isn’t trying to cause our downfall by putting us through trials; rather, He seeks our good and our perfecting. In fact, He’s so committed to our good that He’ll do everything in His power to bring it to us—even use trials to refine us. 

And when it’s difficult to believe in God’s goodness in the midst of a trial, James reminds us that every good thing comes from God, who never changes. James contrasts this steadfastness with a shadow, which completely depends upon and hinges its existence on light. God is not the shadow; He is the constant Light, which is why we can trust Him. Circumstances may change, people may leave, but His goodness remains steadfast and sovereign.

James then uses the word “firstfruits” to describe believers. In Hebrew tradition, the firstfruits of a harvest were specifically set aside for God as a sacrificial gift. By pairing this description with a reminder that God created us of His own will, he’s reiterating that we are not our own, nor are we here for our own comfort and happiness. Rather, our identity and purpose come from being set apart as a sacrifice to God, superior to the rest of creation. Having this correct understanding of identity and of God’s steadfast goodness helps us see past the pain to God’s desire to bring goodness, life, and flourishing to His followers through all circumstances.

It’s important to help teens realize that understanding God’s goodness doesn’t mean we bury our feelings or that we perfectly understand why God allows something to happen. Instead of calling us to embrace an understanding we don’t have, sometimes God calls us to give up the imperfect understanding we do have and trust Him. 

Grief is real. So are hurt and disappointment. But they never have the final say in a Christian’s life. 

Ask your kids: Do you feel like God’s attacking you by putting you through trials? Why or why not? Is it easy or hard for you to believe that God’s goodness never changes? Why?

Dig Deeper: Click here to watch more of Pastor Craig Groeschel’s interview on helping teens have a biblical understanding of their identity.