The Blessing of Trials

My Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1.2-4

James’ opening flourish is surprising in that he calls on those facing trials to rejoice in them. Seriously? You may be facing some pretty severe tests at this point in your life and the idea of rejoicing seems to border on absurdity. Our natural impulse is to rejoice when we escape from trials, not when we fall into them. What does it mean to “count it all joy” anyway?

Don’t you often feel trapped in a difficult situation? We aren’t always grateful for the encouragement to look on the bright side. Yet James goes even further by using the word “all.” This is not a resignation to accept the good with the bad. Instead, we are to esteem it all good. This outlook is unmingled with complaining, fear, or despair. It’s been said that, “outlook determines outcome.” Our outlook is joyful because we see God at work in the trials we face. Is this your outlook toward the difficulties you currently face?

If we ever expect to find joy amidst life troubles, our outlook must take into account God’s process for bringing us to maturity. The trials of life are the means by which our faith is tested or purified. Our capacity to face trials without wavering in our confidence in God can be increased by every hardship. No pain…no gain! This maxim holds for the spiritual as much as it does the physical.

The third imperative in the span of three versus, “let patience have,” brings your will into view. If in the future you are to become perfect and complete, lacking nothing, you must choose to joyfully endure the tribulations of the present. You might ask yourself, “Is the prize worth the price?” Paul’s answer went something like this, “for I consider that the present sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8.18). And it is said of our Lord that He endured trials “for the joy that was set before Him” (Hebrews 12.2). You can rejoice that our loving Father has allowed the difficulties you presently feel trapped by in order that you grow in the likeness of Christ and become more steadfast in your submission to His work in you.

As state leaders you fall into trials involving opposing candidates, attacks upon your character, financial pressures, thorny policy decisions, impossible schedule demands, and the list goes on. Are you counting it all joy, my brethren? Reflect upon God’s process and consider the glory to be revealed in you. O, the joy that has been set before us!