“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”
Those are the words of Jesus’ half-brother, James, found in his letter to the first Christian Church in Jerusalem.
His encouraging words are every bit as meaningful to all who follow Christ today as they were nearly 2,000 years ago.
Joy during times of trial is an interesting concept. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, joy is the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires.
As Christians, we need to focus on this second part — possessing what we have been promised in God’s Word.
We all face trials and not one of us looks forward to those challenging times in our life journey. But we do know they will come in God’s perfect timing as He allows the enemy to test our faithfulness.
We have no idea what we will face, but we know for certain we have been given the power to stand up under whatever circumstances come our way.
Perhaps you consider those who find joy in the troubles of life somewhat foolish. Well, all I can tell you is this: Having been through the trials of fire many times, I can testify that God is in control and He has always provided a way out of those trials personally faced.
That allows me to find certain peace and joy in whatever comes my way!
Let me share these words of the Apostle Paul found in Romans 5:1-5:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Let’s break down this profound declaration. You see, our faith in Christ, God’s only Son, who went to the cross to die for our sins, gives us the confidence to withstand all the trials we will face in life.
We can even rejoice in the sufferings, knowing that our perseverance will strengthen our character and provide us with eternal hope in life after death. Since God has poured out His love on His followers, we are assured the indwelling Holy Spirit will not disappoint us.
How are you handling the troubles of this world? Are you feeling hopeless? Perhaps you have yet to experience many personal trials — especially if you have not become devoted to the Way of the Cross.
After all, most of Satan’s efforts are directed toward those who defend the Truth and openly promote the Gospel message in their daily walk with the Lord.
I know when I face certain trials, those are the times I am being most effective for my Lord. That’s when the Enemy strives to create obstacles to my witnessing to the unconvinced God places in my path.
Perhaps you have been considering the Truth and are very close to accepting Christ as your Savior and Lord. That’s when Satan will do all he can to keep you from taking that leap of faith.
Be strong and courageous and you will never regret your decision in Christ!