Joy through Trials

Even though James was the brother of Jesus, he introduced himself as "a servant (bondservant) of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ". I love his humility. I want people to know me as a servant of God, too. James addressed his letter to Jewish Christians who had been dispersed by persecution.

We're encouraged to respond to trials as positive things...almost as if we should even welcome them since they are opportunities to test our faith. Most people don't enjoy tests but tests do serve some valuable purposes. They reveal strengths and weaknesses. They demonstrate what we know and what we do not know, and they teach us how to apply knowledge. Our faith is tested by how we respond to trials (conflicts, sufferings, troubles, difficulties). It will show who we really are and what we really believe. It will show whether our faith is strong or weak, genuine or fake. Trials are unpleasant but they are great opportunities to witness how God works in our lives, for our lives, and through our lives. Testing highlights God's faithfulness in our lives and in the lives of others. "Let every trial teach me more of Thy peace, more of Thy love." (Valley of Vision) God uses difficult situations to teach us about ourselves or about other people. Use them as stepping stones to grow in Christ. Growth through trials will help our character shine and bring glory to God.

Perseverance/patience/endurance is the fruit proven by testing. This passage in James reminds me of Mark 4: 16-17, "Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the Word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the Word, they quickly fall away." True saving faith will stand steadfast under pressure and endure to the end...come what may! "Mind and heart and character are bettered by the endurance of affliction." (Alexander Smellie)

"Count it all joy/consider it pure joy"! We can have joy by focusing on the value of trials in our lives. Trials authenticate our faith, develop perseverance, strengthen us/our faith, draw us closer to God/make us depend on God more, glorify God as He sustains us through our trials, help us learn lessons that we need to learn, and enable us to help encourage and comfort others who may experience similar trials. The result/reward for passing the testing of our faith and persevering includes spiritual maturity, completion, not lacking anything = complete contentment/wholesomeness.

One thing that helps me during trials is to focus on the Author and Finisher of our Faith. "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." (Hebrews 12:1b-3) Such a beautiful and powerful example to help us endure our trials! Did you notice the words we see in these verses that we also see in James: perseverance and joy?

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for Your beautiful and faithful promises! My family is going through many trials of life right now. We are grateful that You are with us always, comforting us, guiding us, watching over us, and carrying us through it all. Please give us the wisdom and strength we need to face each day. Please teach us what we need to learn from these trials. Please help us persevere and find joy in You through any storms. May we honor and glorify You in everything we do and say! In Jesus's Name, I pray. Amen.