Count It All Joy
We all measure trials from a somewhat relative perspective. What I mean is that what might be a trial for you, could quite possibly not be that big of a deal for me. Or it could be vice versa, what is a trial for me may not even be a blip on your radar. In the middle of a trial, it may be difficult to engage in perspective, but have you ever asked yourself, “What is the purpose of this trial?”
If you answered “no,” you are not the only one. I am often looking for the quickest way out of a trial and spending little effort examining for a purpose. While I have indeed experienced many difficult trials in life and will most certainly face many more in times to come, I consider that fundamental question a very significant question to address in the middle of a trial. Is there a purpose in the trials of life?
As you read James 1:2-4, consider the purpose of trials that James lays out, “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.”
What are some of the obvious purposes that James lays out in the passage? What are some of the not-so-obvious purposes James points us to? The whole idea of being able to have joy in the middle of the trail has always been a challenge for me. It is safe to say the dots have never connected for me there. However, when I start to include the aspect of purpose in the middle of trials, it starts to make a little more sense. I can rejoice in the purpose of a trial! The first place James takes the purpose is that in the testing, we gain steadfastness. Here are some synonyms of steadfastness:
So, what is it that we are going to gain in the middle of trials? What is the purpose that James is pointing us to? When we see that amazing hand of God in the middle, or even after the trials, it should point us to the confidence we have in Jesus.
We will see that the purpose is for us to learn to be more dedicated, devoted, and dependent on God. In the purpose of trials can you say, “I am excited to learn how to be more steadfast toward God?”
James pushes even further with this to point us to the fact that when steadfastness has the chance to take its effect on us, we find ourselves in a place where we are content, complete, and lacking in nothing. In other words, we are at peace. This is usually the opposite effect a trail has on my life; anxiety, stress, and fear are the norm. The reason we can end at having peace is because it points us to the absolute completeness of knowing God and knowing that He has it under control, no matter the outcome.
That is why Paul says these words that correlate and affirm James’ words. Philippians 4:4-7 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”