“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” James 1:2-3
I am sure you have heard the saying: “In this world nothing can be certain, except death and taxes,” I would like to add a third to that list of certainties: Trials. Show me a person who has lived on this earth and not faced trials. Even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who lived without sin (“He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth.” 1 Peter 2:22 ESV), faced numerous trials during His life on earth. He even assured His followers that they, too, would be persecuted for preaching in His name. “”Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:16, 22 ESV)
So, we should just accept our fate that life is full of trials and curl up in a ball and wait for death then, right? No! James, the earthly brother of Jesus, who had been skeptical of His claim of being the Messiah until James saw Him resurrected from the grave, here writes to us that we should count our trials as JOY! Wait, what? When I lose my job, a loved one, or my life falls apart around me because of my profession of faith in Jesus Christ I should be joyful? Yes! In each instance where we face a trial, God is at work allowing that trial to produce steadfastness should we hold to our faith throughout the trial. Need a good example? Read Joseph’s story in Genesis 37-50. Trial after trial besieged Joseph, but he remained faithful to God and it produced a steadfastness in Joseph and worked to save many lives during a devastating famine.
So, if you are facing a trial of your own today, do not give up or lose faith! “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)
Jessica Ford
Communications Director
ALIVE Ministries USA