Joy in the Trials of Life

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: 2-3 (NIV)

We know that we are to be joyful in all things.  Paul takes many opportunities in his letters to admonish us in this.  The study of Paul’s own life will reveal that he not only encouraged it, but had mastered the concept.

Here James supports Paul’s writings, as he bluntly challenges us to take a particular position toward our trials.  He does not suggest we grit our teeth and endure our trials, nor is he advocating simply smiling our way through trials.  Neither does he propose that we are to enjoy our trials.

Consider it pure joy.  This statement indicates we are to have a particular attitude toward our trials.   The trials are tough – that is the very essence of the definition of the word.  But our mindset toward our suffering and grievousness is to be joyful.

Pure joy.  If our joy is pure, it means it is not mixed with anything else – not with complaining, not with grumpiness, not with fear.

Why would I want to do something as strange and difficult as that!

Because you know.   We are to recognize that the current trial will accomplish for us far exceeding benefit in the Kingdom of God.  If we respond to our natural feelings, we loose the supernatural benefits.  Some of those benefits are listed is the passage:

• the testing of your faith
• producing perseverance
• perseverance finishing a work
• maturity
• lacking nothing for service in the Kingdom

You are now left with a choice that could prove the difference between a Kingdom Purpose life or an ordinary worldly life.

1. You can follow your feelings and respond to your trials the way the rest of the world does by complaining, arguing, and seeking revenge.  If you do, you will reap strife and struggle.

2. Or you can follow the Word of God, step out from your old, normal pattern, and trust that His Word is true, expecting the promises of this passage to produce the fruit of maturity in your life and your work in the Kingdom of God.  When you obey the Bible, the Spirit of God is able to work freely in your life, bringing with Him His fruits (Galatians 5:22).

By nothing more than your attitude, you make your choice.

• striving and struggling on my own
• love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness and self-control from the Holy Spirit

I have made my choice.  It does not mean I will enjoy my trial, or that my trial will involve less suffering.   It does mean God will see me through it because, when I follow His way, His promises can be fulfilled.  Trial by trial, I will mature in the Kingdom.  In the end, I will be complete not lacking anything for my Kingdom Purpose Life, so that my life reveals the majestic Glory that my God so undeniably deserves.  For this I rejoice greatly!

Scripture of the week is designed to assist you in renewing your mind through the Word of God.  We choose a scripture and include a short commentary so that you can meditate on them for the week.  Please do not read it once and move on.  Print it out and read it over and over during the week so that your mind can be reprogrammed (Romans 12:2) in the supernatural Word of God!