James 1:2-4 Joyful Trials

James 1:2-4  “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (NASB)

Did you somehow think when you became a Christian that from that point on everything was going to be just “Peachy”?  Well if you did, or still do for that matter, guess again.  There’s nothing in Scripture to indicate that as believes we’re going to get on with our lives free from trouble.  In fact, there is plenty to support the idea that we’ll actually in some ways receive persecution for our faith.

So today as I’m sitting with my new company issued Blackberry device and not having a bit of fun with the new interface or the activation of said device I thought, here’s a topic to consider.

I’m not having fun with this and although it is a minor thing I do feel a bit of frustration.  Frustration frankly is one of my weaknesses.  When things don’t go as I think they should or for that matter as I know they should, I can become frustrated.  Frustration has on occasion, okay many occasions, caused me to stumble and stumble pretty hard.

James reminds us that trials are a reality of the Christian’s life.  He challenges us with a perspective that gives me pause every time it comes to mind.  He says, “Consider it all joy … when you encounter various trials”.  WHAT?  Trials tend to present themselves as roadblocks to what needs to be done.  Whether for ministry, for work, for family, for whatever, ROADBLOCKS!  I don’t like them yet James says I should, “Consider it all joy”.

Hmmm!  Thankfully, he goes on to explain further.  He says that these, “Various trials” are, “The testing of your faith”.  I’ll say!  Not that I’m having faith issues over my Blackberry but over the years with more serious trials at play such as personal health or that of a loved one a testing of faith could be at play.  Going through those serious trials can have you questioning the Lord; testing your faith.

This testing though goes on to produce endurance.  After you’ve been through the trials, the speed bumps in life time after time testing your faith each time you become stronger.  You become stronger in faith.  It’s like exercise.  The more you do, the stronger you become.  So with testing over time your faith becomes stronger and as such, “Your faith produces endurance”.

But endurance is not yet the end result.  The passage says, “And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”.  OKAY!  That’s more like it.  But what is meant by, “Perfect” and “Lacking in nothing”.

Well, it’s not a promise that everything will be fine and dandy once you mature on this earth having hit all those speed bumps early in life.  What is referenced here is the process of spiritual maturity.  Each of us is on a growth path leading us each day closer to Christ likeness.  Paul puts it this way, “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,” Ephesians 4:15

So, when the speed bumps in life come around we’re supposed to rejoice because it is ultimately an opportunity to grow into Christ likeness.  Certainly the little bumps are easier to face than the big ones but the Lord will not put a burden in your path for which He doesn’t also provide the way through.  He will walk you through it, rely on Him!  AMEN!