James Chapter 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
I think what James may be saying here is that he is encouraging the readers to reevaluate the way that they look at trials. He’s asked believers to develop a new and improved attitude that considers trials from God’s perspective.
Typically, a trial is not an occasion for joy. James isn’t suggesting that we pursue trials or court hardship. Let’s also not pretend that trials are easy to endure. They can be difficult, painful, and traumatic, but they exist for a purpose. Trials have the potential of producing something good in us. For this reason, they are an opportunity for expressing joy knowing that there is a bigger picture. We can consider trials as things to rejoice in just as the scripture says in Romans 8:28, “For God works all things together for good for those who are called according to his purposes.” Even though joy is contrary to our normal reaction, James urges us to work on changing our attitude towards troubles from dread to positive expectation, faith, trust, and even joy. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Think about this for a moment, if this trial, that you have gone through or are currently experiencing, did not occur, would you ever truly know God in this situation? Let me explain further. God is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is also El Roi – the God who sees, He is also Yahweh Shalom – the Lord is peace. There are times in my own life when I had experienced the worst pain imaginable: the kind where you can barely breathe, crying so much that no more tears would come – so much gut-wrenching grief and mental anguish. Not knowing how I would make it through the night. Yet in those moments…. I felt God’s presence as tangible as if He was present.
“His peace surpasses all understanding.”
If I had not gone through that trial, then I would have never known God in that way. I began to understand the scripture Isaiah 43:10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know me and believe me and understand that I AM HE.” Through my experiences, I came to know Him in a way that I had not known previously. I began to trust Him more, to know that He truly understood my pain, and would be there with me in it and through it. An intimate knowledge and understanding of who He is and His desire to have a relationship with me.
We all have a story to tell. With countless times, seasons, and moments we determine are bad.
James encourages us to embrace trials not for what they presently are but for the outcome that God will accomplish through them and God promises in James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” When you are in the midst of the trial, know that he loves you more than you know or can comprehend. You are not going through this because He’s upset with you or intending to harm you. Know that when you seek Him, He will be there for you to comfort you and ask yourself, “What can I learn about you, about myself, or anything else?”
Something that I have learned from my husband, Chad, who is an endurance athlete. He views trials as training challenges, just as an athlete would. He builds physical muscles, endurance, and stamina. Instead of fearing them, he looks forward to physical and mental challenges because of the benefits that follow. If we were to walk through life on Easy Street and never face hardships, then our muscles would be underdeveloped and we would not have the stamina and endurance to stay the course and finish the race!
A Daily Dose 