Determine to be Joyful
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds (Jas 1:2).
It is not a question of whether we will encounter trials or not.
The question is when? Either you just emerged from a trial, you are undergoing a trial right now, or you are going to encounter one tomorrow.
Life is filled with burdens, troubles, accidents, sicknesses, sufferings, disappointments, frustrations, grief.
Why do we dislike trials?
Because we think they are troublesome. We feel defeated and discouraged.
But there is a better way to face trials. By changing the way we see them.
Trials are permitted by God for a good purpose. To make us stronger, wiser, purer, and more Christlike.
They offer us an opportunity to be a conqueror, and not a loser.
“For this light momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Cor 4:17).
James exhorts us to consider it the fullest joy when we meet trials.
How can we be joyful when trouble, cancer, death face us?
Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (Jas 1:3-4).
By realizing that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. When we persevere in steadfastness, we will become more spiritually mature.
The key word here is “persevere.” It means to put forth the effort and energy to conquer and gain the victory over that trial.
It begins when we decide to take the Lord’s side of victory and rejoice.
Joy gives us strength. Discouragement weakens us.
Jesus endured the cross by looking at the joy set before Him and is seated at God’s right hand (Heb 12:2).
Look at the reward that is awaiting all victors.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (Jas 1:12).
Determine to be joyful in the Lord. Persevere and don’t quit the fight. Be a conqueror for Christ.
(MT)