If you are a student of the bible you are familiar with the passage in James 1 where he says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Most people’s response to this is often, “Yeah, right.” I mean, how many of us pray for more trials so we can develop perseverance and become more mature? But we ought not run away to quickly from trials and suffering because in their path we discover God revealing more of himself to us, and more about who we are meant to be. These lessons can’t be learned and such character can’t be built in any other way than through the crucible of the refiner’s fire.
It’s not that we should run around and yell, “Whoopee for cancer!” There is nothing to celebrate in that wretched disease. Except this: that in the midst of trials and suffering, we draw closer to God and rediscover God’s grace and his enduring love. And how could we draw closer to Christ unless we participate in some way in his suffering? (Philippians 3) Such trials have a way of bringing us to the end of ourselves and redirect us to the real purpose and meaning in our life. And it is there that we find God waiting for us, ready to carry us through the difficult battles.
Consider it joy? Maybe not the bubbly effervescent joy we normally pursue, but the deeper joy of contentment and being fully satisfied that God’s plan is for good.
Are you facing trials today? Turn your focus from the discomfort and turn your eyes to Jesus. Seek his presence and find a peace that transcends all understanding, a contented joy in resting in him.
