The fruit of trials 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. —James 1:2–4
W
e’ve seen how joy is a choice, not a feeling, and how we can make this choice by abiding in Christ, spending time in God’s Word, and focusing on His goodness and promises. Another way to choose joy is by holding on to this important truth: there is a spiritual payoff to going through the trials and tribulations of life.
James 1:2–4 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.” Likewise, Romans 5:3–4 says: “We also glory in our sufferings, 26
because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Both James and Paul were highlighting the fact that trials are the means to an end, the ultimate goal of God’s redemption: being conformed to the image of His son Jesus. It is through the challenge of trials that we develop the fruit of the spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol (Galatians 5:22–23). Keeping this promise of spiritual maturity in sight will change our attitude towards trials. We will no longer see them as things to be avoided at all costs, but as things to be embraced, knowing that God works all things
