2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (James 1:2-3)
James starts right off with a major shock to the system. When you go through difficulties in life, consider it pure joy. Not a little bit of joy or half-hearted joy…but pure joy. Whoa. That’s downright crazy.
Why should we look positively upon trials of various kinds? Because we know that God is using the trial to strengthen our faith.
Only the eyes of faith can look at difficulties with joy. You have to really trust God…and know He has a good plan for you…to continue praising Him in the storm.
This passage was a challenge to me this morning. I don’t even consider my trials that major but I am stressed…and a little worried…and a good bit overwhelmed. These difficulties do not seem like joy to me. I would much rather be past them. I long for calmer waters. But God spoke this morning and said, “Be content where you are right now. And learn from Me. Trust Me. I can use this time in your life for My purpose and for your good.”
Verses 5-6 also hit me. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
What do we need in difficult times? Wisdom. Knowing what to do (and what not to do) and knowing when to do it (and when not to do anything). And God promises to provide that wisdom generously…just at the time we need it…if we don’t doubt and second guess ourselves all the time.
That is hard for me. I second guess a lot. Doubting comes naturally. I can identity with Thomas.
But in Christ we can have confidence…confidence that every trial has a purpose and confidence that in the midst of every trial God can give us the wisdom to navigate through it. We are overcomers in Christ Jesus. We have His Spirit. We have His Word. We have His wisdom generously provided. We just need to trust Him…walk each day in faith…and rejoice!
Lord, fill me with Your joy today. Give me wisdom for each step. Increase my faith.
