My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials

James 1:2

NKJV

 

 

          The “brethren” (fellow children of God) to whom James was writing had believed in Jesus, now they needed to begin to live as He lived. James is seeking to add to their pure faith, works. These were practical and simple ways they could follow the teachings of Jesus in their everyday lives that would demonstrate their love for God. One way they could do this was to learn how to respond to “trials.”

          The words “count it all joy” hit us with the same force as many of Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus’ words there shock us because they are the exact opposite of how we naturally think and act, for instance "But I say to you, love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44).

          As believers we must learn to rely on God and His way more than our wits, our common sense, our flawed and sinful beliefs, or the ways of this world. Living in a fallen world with fallen hearts means this is an ongoing process. And a major part of this process is being put in difficult situations and circumstances (“trials”) to learn to trust God. But we shouldn’t fear the trials, or live in perpetual anxiousness of what bad things are ahead for us.  James says, ‘relax and enjoy the journey.’ When the world, or your world, is falling apart, there is “joy” in knowing the sovereign God is with you.

          Jesus for the “joy that was set before Him endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2).  Jesus chose to follow the will of the Father no matter the cost. Jesus’ whole life on earth was a trial—a test of His willingness to trust the Father all the way to the cross. Once we choose to follow the Lord, our life becomes a test as well. And like a good Tolkien or Lewis novel, it is the journey that will build or break our faith.

          In the journey of following Christ our faith is tested through trials that refine us by burning away the impure motives/desires of our hearts. This takes time. It does not happen with one trial. It doesn’t even happen with successive trials until I choose to let the trial make me better. God doesn’t move us to the next level of faith/trust in Him until we learn the lesson He has for us right where we are.

          But, we do have the promise of God’s mercy and power to sustain us. We have the promise of God’s presence with us, His provision, His moving mountains, His shutting the mouths of lions, until He calls us home to be with Him in glory. Child of God, you have the promise that He is with you and whatever is best for you, and those around you, He will do. This is why you can rejoice in the “trials.”

 

          Dear brother, sister, are you choosing joy in the midst of your trials? Do you need to repent of choosing doubt, fear, anger, or unbelief instead of joy when you are suffering through a difficult situation? Start by simply choosing to rejoice that God is using this for your good.