PRESS IN, PRESS THROUGH, AND PRESS ON

James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

James 1:2-4, NKJV

The definition of "perseverance" is "Steadfastness, constancy, endurance; or a patient waiting." According to this passage, trials test our 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 develop perseverance? 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 objects 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 the 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. 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. Sometimes reading a passage from the Bible in a translation other than the one you are used to can really give you fresh insight.

Here, what caught me off guard was how the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) phrased a familiar verse speaking of how to deal with trials in this life, saying that we should "consider it nothing but joy." I am used to reading "count it all joy." But "consider it nothing but joy" is a new understanding for me. Instead of knowing that the trial was a bad thing that I was supposed to dress up as a good thing (counting it as joy), I am actually supposed to not even think anything about the trial was bad, but rather see through the apparent badness to the joy that it was meant to bring. Nevertheless, let's try to see our trials as God's precious gift to us, His way of helping us grow to be like Him. And for that, we can rejoice!!!

Father thank You for this day and Your amazing mercy and grace. Lord, let Your abundant blossings fall like rain from the flood gates of heaven upon us and our family today: Unchangeable and unshakable God through the friends You have sent Into our lives and by the power of Your gift the Holy Spirit, help us to stand up under trial and prove our character true with perseverance when under fire. Lord give our faith courage and endurance so our lives show forth Your enduring strength. Lord, use us to be the strength of Your love that someone needs today.

Father, we love You. Amen !