A theme this week has been going through trials and enduring hardships.  I read James 1:2-4 in devotional readings and found that even though those verses are familiar - I memorized them in highschool in preparation for Bible quizzing - new truth seemed to permeate my heart.

"Count it all joy..." is how James 1:2 starts off and it seems like the absolute opposite to what we normally say when we face trials.  How can we consider it a joyful experience to undergo painful and overwhelming circumstances?  James go on to explain how to work it through.  "Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (verse 3)  Trials are a test.  How can we know if we pass or fail the testing standards of these trials?

God has great things in store for us in following His ways.  They include growth and strength.  He doesn't want us to remain like babies, infants in our faith.  He doesn't want us to be weak, undeveloped and immature.  So God designs, or allows, difficulties to stretch us and determine where our faith and trust really lies.

James continues to teach the benefits of persevering.   "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (verse 4)  Being tested involves enduring through unpleasant, uncomfortable and impossible circumstances.  If we don't endure and quit prematurely before God's work by the Holy Spirit is complete, we circumvent the process.  I think we can agree we all want to be mature and whole, or complete.  We don't want to be lacking anything!  We desire to be spiritual, to be wise, to be strong and healthy.  But it costs.  It takes hard work and resolve.  And it requires us to trust God through these trials and not drop out too soon.

 Listening to a friend's son who is in seminary, speak on this passage of James, really spoke to me.  He explained how the trials we face are "of many kinds."  (verse 1) God doesn't have one-size fits all hardships for His children to work through; we will face trials that are specifically for our individual journeys.  Sometimes the trials may be physical and our health may be in jeopardy.  Or it could be a financial difficulty.  Or a relationship struggle.  Or a family problem.  No matter what the details are, the Lord will give us strength to endure.  His grace is sufficient for all that we must face.  Like a loving father who must discipline his children, our God is always with us and supporting and guiding us even when it feels like He abandons us through tough times.

Be strong, my friends.  Don't give up.  Stand firm and don't quit.  You may be right on the verge of breaking through! And when you have stood the trial and passed the test, God rewards with maturity, completion and the crown of life.  (James 1:12)

May the Lord bless you, whatever you are enduring.  His promises will never fail.