Based on 1 Peter 4:12-19 (New King James Version)
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?’ Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”
To begin to define trials as described in the Bible, it is necessary to first understand what trials are not, the things that have nothing to do with trials, because many believers confuse God's trials with other things. It is also necessary to understand what trials are not in order to make decisions based on God's wisdom, as well as to know how to pray for circumstances, because it is necessary to have a basis before God to be able to ask Him, if a person legitimately desires God's answer and not something else.
The first thing is sin and its consequences, which have nothing to do with trials. And the Bible is clear with its definition of sin, such as breaking the Ten Commandments and everything else God defines as sin. The point is that sin will always have some kind of consequence, especially when it is repeated or practiced as a so-called believer. In the least, if there is continued backsliding, there will be serious consequences here on earth, if God truly cares about a person, as it is written: “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.’ If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.” Hebrews 12:5-8. If sin begins to become a habit, and God loves you, sooner or later, He will allow something to happen as a result of or as a consequence of sin. And I have to say, based on the Word, that God can also despise those who persist in sin, even if they believe themselves to be children of God, as it is also written: “Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatas 5:19-21. Who inherits, a stranger, a person outside of the family? No. The one who inherits is a son or daughter of the parents. So, if it says: “…that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God,” if a supposed son or daughter of God doesn't abandon a lifestyle of sin, God will ultimately cast them away unless they repent. So, what should happen in this case? Repent! Be converted! If God has disciplined you or you are living with the consequences of your sins, simply change. But if you don't want to see what you do as sin, then you will never give yourself the opportunity to repent.
The other thing that isn't a trial is when a person acts poorly in the faith, or inconsistently with what the Word of God teaches. For example, there are people who turn the things of God into religiosity, giving priority to things that aren't a priority according to the Word, and discarding what truly interests God. According to the Lord, what should we urge each other to do instead, external or fleeting things, or good works? This is what the Word says: “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:8-9. Why does good work have more priority? Because after loving God with all that we are, God commands us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Therefore, the person who prioritizes other things over loving God and their neighbor is not fulfilling God's will. Therefore, if they damage their relationship with another over superficial things, they are simply suffering the consequences. What does the Lord want, for a person to criticize the unsaved for their wickedness, or to tell them about Christ so that they may repent of their sins and live?
What else is not a trial? When a person decides to rebel against the authorities for things that are not relevant to faith in Christ, and they suffer the consequences. It is written: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” Romans 13:1-7. We must understand that Paul wrote this book to the Romans during the reign of Caesar Nero, one of the cruelest Roman emperors in history. And if the Holy Spirit, through Paul, was teaching such things at that time, what should Christians do today? Break the laws? Hate those in authority? No, and if they don't submit to and respect kingdoms and rulers and their laws, they resist God. And if there are consequences, it is not a trial, but rather, divine punishment.
What then is a trial? Thus said the Lord: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven…” Matthew 5:10-12a. Trials are ultimately what we suffer for the Lord, everything that tries to make us renounce the Lord. But those who endure trials will not only receive eternal life, but also the reward God has reserved for all those who love Him. So, are you experiencing trials or consequences for your actions? Lord bless! John. God bless Israel!