James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
Trials are a regular part of being a Christian. The bible indicates time and time again that trials, tribulations and temptations will come. Before Jesus started his ministry, He came face-to-face with Satan and was tested by him, and this was right after a 40 day fast!
It is God’s way of building us up, helping us grow, and refining our character so we may “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:10). The question is, how do we get through these trials with “pure joy” as indicated by James? James graciously provides us with some clues.
In verse 3, James says to “know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance”. The first step is knowing and accepting deep within our Spirits that tests are a good thing and from God. If our ultimate desire is to get to know him more and grow in our character, we have to endure these tests – there is no shortcut for it.
James also says to ask God for wisdom, who gives generously to all, in verse 5 of the chapter. This is the same wisdom that God gave Solomon who as an example, was able to judge between 2 women and a baby (see 1 Kings 3:16-28 for a fascinating, definitely politically incorrect, but ultimately wise approach of resolving a case). We have access to His wisdom for getting through trials – let’s ask freely and without reserve!
James then indicates that we must believe and not doubt. That’s easy to say but how do we actually do it? I think it first starts with our mind, to train ourselves to immediately give any doubts to God. It is ok to recognize we have doubts, but our response has to be swift and immediate in giving it to God and He will help us work through our doubts.
In verse 9-11, James indicates for us to remain humble in Him, to remain broken in Him. Jesus loves a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17), one that doesn’t glorify ourselves but revels in our relationship with Him and dependence on Him.
But perhaps most importantly, is to do all of the above walking alongside others. A Christian walk is not an easy one as we are asked to be the light in the darkness, to walk the narrow path, to be different than all those around us. We are part of an upside down Kingdom of Heaven that operates counter to what the world wants to do. The world says gain more power and God says serve more. The world says gain more riches and Jesus says our treasures are in heaven. The world says it is all about me whereas the bible tells us it is all about God and others.
If we try to do it ourselves without any help or support from others, the likely outcome is what Jesus describes in the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:20-22, that our seed will fall on rocky ground. When trouble or persecution comes, we will quickly fall away. Let’s take some time this week to reach out to someone and ask them how they are doing. Connect with each other, walk together, and find the joy in our trials and tribulations.
As Smith Wigglesworth, a great evangelist in the early 20th century, once said “great faith is a product of great fights. Great testimonies are the outcome of great tests. Great triumphs can only come out of great trials”.