Various Trials

Chadwick Brewer
01/13/24 - Faith

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” — James 1:2-4

Trials are called trials because they try us. They are hard, ever changing, and frankly, no fun. Our trials can come from so many unlikely sources and can make us feel like we are being stretched to our breaking point.

Through all of this, James tells us to count it all joy. This seems to be an odd statement since trials seem to be the exact opposite of a joyous time. James wrote to the twelve tribes of the dispersion. Those who had lost their homes, jobs, and friends due to persecution.

Part of what James is asking his reader to do, is have a positive attitude when facing their sufferings/trials by looking at the good God is working in their lives. God, through our trials, tests our faith and makes us steadfast. When we allow steadfastness to have its full effect, we will become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

With a positive attitude and our eyes on the work God is doing in us, we can count trials as joy.