Enduring Various Trials

James begins workout session #1 for our Christian faith with a perplexing imperative— “count it all joy when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2).

Steve Taylor Pastor Bethlehem Baptist Church

I’m not naturally happy about troubles. How about you? Groaning not gladness, complaining not happiness typically mark our immediate reactions. I find myself exclaiming “Oh, brother!” not “Oh, boy!”

So, what does James know that we need to know? He gives us three vital links to make.

Link 1 – Trials test our faith.

James equates trials with “the testing of your faith” (James 1:3), Troubles make our faith genuine, like fire makes gold pure. And that process can be painful and stressful. Peter rightly says, “You have been distressed by various trials” (1 Peter 1:6)

Imagine the distress Joseph felt as iron chains fettered his feet. Imprisoned unjustly. Accused falsely. Enslaved wrongly. Treated harshly. Though the Lord had told Joseph he would one day rule, for 13 years “the word of the Lord tested him” (Genesis 37:8; Psalm 105:19).

God tests us too—in many ways! The next link helps us understand why.

Link 2 – Tests produce endurance. “Knowing that,” says James, “the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:3). Troubles build up our perseverance muscles.

And Christians with genuine faith endure to the end! They aim to say as Paul, “I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). They “run with endurance the race” set before them (Hebrews 12:2) At times, we may give out, but we don’t give up! We may wear down, but we don’t walk out!

Where do we find strength to endure as Christians? By looking unto Jesus. “Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb 12:3).

But why endure and not lose heart? James makes yet another link.

Link 3 – Endurance produces character. James says, “Let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing” (James 1:4)

Endurance is not an end, but the means to this end—perfect and complete character. The righteous and holy character of Jesus Christ.

“Preacher,” you may reply, “Nobody’s perfect this side of heaven—except Jesus.” And you’re right! Yet God’s purpose for us is to “ be conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29)

And when Jesus appears “we shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2) We “shall be revealed with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). What a destiny!

Until then, let’s keep in mind these three links for “counting it all joy” in trials. And let’s keep in mind (and even say) these two words.

I learned them from preacher Manley Beasley. For years, they have helped me go through trials—HEAVENLY SANDPAPER!