Joy in Trials
Now that we have a better understanding of who James was and why the book was written, we need to discuss some of the topics that the book of James contains. Since James is writing to encourage individuals to grow and be mature in the faith, it hits on some very confrontational topics. To mention a few, James discusses trials, wealth, temptation, works, the damage a tongue can do, and wisdom. These are all topics that come about as a person is growing in their faith. One thing that I have always appreciated about James is that he is very straight to the point. Right after his introduction, which as we discussed last week glosses over that he is the brother of Jesus Christ and instead is focusing on James being a bondservant to Christ, James goes right into the topic of trials.
“2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:2-8
When I read this passage, there were four things that immediately stood out to me when we are faced with trials. First, we need to count our trials with joy. Second, we need to understand or know why we are faced with trials, then we need to let endurance work through us, and finally we need to ask God when we are in trials. Understanding these four aspects allow the Christian to grow in maturity in their faith, it is how we are to succeed in our trials.
The first point is to count our trials. This does not mean to physically count how many trials we have faced, instead we need to “2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” Counting is an evaluation term, these means that when we are faced with trials we need to evaluate what God is doing through us and what He is trying to teach us.
To face a trial with joy is not something that comes easily. Too often people complain about whatever trial they are facing. The issue with this is that it does not allow for the Christian to grow, it keeps them stunted. There is one aspect of being a Christian that is constant, we are not promised an easy life. We need to understand that it is not “if” but “when” we will fall into trials. Many people have the idea that by being a follower of Christ they will somehow avoid the pains of this life. Nowhere in the Bible is this promised, in fact this verse alone shows that we will face trials. What makes the Christian unique, is that when we are faced with trials we have the undeniable hope in Jesus Christ. “33 These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
One thing that facing a trial with joy does not mean is that we are not to put on a fake smile. When we are faced with a trial we should not act as if nothing is wrong or try to make ourselves a martyr, we need to keep our focus on Christ and what He could be doing through us. When reflecting on a trial I am reminded of our Lord and Savior on the cross. He had asked God the Father to remove this trial from Him if it was His will, Luke 22:42a. However, through His obedience to God the Father’s will by saying “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” Luke 22:42b, Jesus Christ brought salvation to the world. We know that Jesus did not face the cross with a smile, but He faced it knowing that the end result would be something great. “2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Do not forget that God understands what we are going through! He isn’t a million miles away but rather He is with us. This is powerful for us to understand when it comes to encountering trials. What is so unique about God that James and others in the Bible display, is the incredible detail that God has placed in revealing His presence and support for us while we are in these trials. For those who are searching for how to count a trial as joy, just take into consideration that God is right there helping you and providing you with exactly what you need in order to come out on the other side.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex