James 1:2-4---My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Testing – “That by
which something is tried and proven.” According to this passage, trials test
(or prove) faith. And faith develops perseverance, which is necessary if we are
going to be spiritually mature. Most believers would likely agree with this truth.
But, what about the joy? How many of us consider it pure joy to face trials?
The problem for many of us isn’t a lack of knowledge. The problem is a divided
heart. In order to find joy in the midst of trials, Christ and His glory must
be the object of our heart’s affection. In every situation, our goal must be to
know Him more and to reflect His character. Only when this is true can we have
joy when our faith is being tested. Perseverance is not easy. Just ask any
long-distance runner. It hurts to keep running when everything in you longs to
stop. The motivation to continue is the reward. The same is true spiritually.
Considering it joy to face trials does not mean that we enjoy the hardship. God
is not asking us to be happy to have cancer or to lose a job. Jesus was not
happy when He went to the cross…but “for the joy set before Him” He endured
(Hebrews 12:2). The joy comes because our hearts are fixed on Jesus – He is our
reward. And to be mature in Him we must learn to persevere. So, if you are
struggling to have joy when your faith is tested, examine your heart. Where do
your affections lie? Take heart and persevere! The reward is worth the
hardship.
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