Count It All Joy

James 1:2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 

Since the purpose of trials is spiritual maturity, they should be a cause for rejoicing. Sadly, most Christians would admit that their view of trials would be vastly different. But what we need to remember is that the trials should not be foremost in our minds, but instead the byproduct of the trial. So if your mindset is growth, intimacy with God, or steadfastness, you don't have to search trials out, they will come to you. But it is good to think about steadfastness and maturity, not only to think but to desire them resting in the fact that a sovereign God will use trials for spiritual maturity and steadfastness, and that He will never send anything that the believer cannot endure without providing a way of escape. 

In fact, the very next verse is the how-to that is how we may endure and grow. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting... If believers lack wisdom about handling trials, all they need do is ask in faith believing that God will answer. He promises to give us wisdom about handling life and the trials that are a very real part of it. Sometimes I look at trials from a fleshly point of view, it is then that I am falling into the trap of doubt. When I see a child or family member suffering repeatedly, I want to think enough is enough. But I know that enough is enough only when God says. Certainly this walk in growth and spiritual maturity, is not a cake walk. And the ability to have an attitude of joy comes only when believers are drawing ever closer to God. It is this dependence on Him that brings joy!

Father,

This is hard. Grow me in dependence on You. Help me to see the trials that others endure as Your hand in their lives. Focus my thoughts on You.

In Jesus name,

Amen