“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.”
James 1:2-3 NIV
“Trials.” In the past, this word would set off anxious feelings within me. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been a big fan of trials or adversity of any kind. However, they seem to be rather abundant. Recently, I found myself in a trial that was putting my faith in God to the test. Typically, my reaction to a trial is to run and hide; but this time was different. When I heard the foreboding words of trouble ahead it occurred to me that I had a choice to make. The choice was to respond in fear and anxiety or to stand firm in the faith. In fact, I heard God speak these words, “Janet, are you going to trust Me or not?” It was at that moment I prayed this prayer, “I am going to believe in You, God. I will trust You with all my heart. I will walk in faith.” Suddenly, everything changed inside of me. Peace came. As I continued to walk in faith through the situation, God revealed Himself once again to be faithful, sovereign or in control, loving, good, and trustworthy.
I have been experiencing the truth of our verses this week, “the testing of your faith produces perseverance (steadfastness).”
Our verses this month have focused on the word “steadfast.” The definition of steadfast is to have firmness of mind or purpose, to be constant in pursuing a purpose, unwavering, fixed, and steady. We are told in our verses this week that we are to “Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds…” To have joy in the midst of trials/adversity sounds totally ridiculous and impossible, doesn’t it? James is not telling us that joy is in the difficult circumstances/situations themselves. He is saying that true joy comes because we know that the testing of our faith produces in us steadfastness/perseverance.
When we come up against a trial, we come to a choice. We can depend on God and allow Him to use the trial to deepen our relationship and strengthen our perseverance; or we can allow the enemy to use the trial to bring division, isolation, and separation. We can run to God and experience His abundant life like peace, righteousness, love, and joy, or we can run from God and experience death, darkness, and destruction. What we encounter in the things that are hard to walk through are the very things that teach us more and more of who God is.
Had I not experienced situations that could be fearful and believed in God, I would not know that He is my peace. Had I not experienced situations of uncertainty and leaned on God, I would not know that God is faithful and trustworthy. Had I not experienced situations that could bring sadness and sorrow and cry out to God, I would not know God is my comfort, joy, and strength. These “light and momentary troubles” (2 Corinthians 4:17) are opportunities for us to know our God better and to “stand firm in the faith.” As we persevere in faith we “become complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:4). We become more and more like Jesus, and that is a cause for “pure joy!”
As I write these words, these questions come to my heart, “Why have I been a runner when trouble comes?” “Why have I wanted to hide?” Perhaps you are wondering the same things too? God commands us to be “steadfast” and “unmovable” (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV). From now on I will not cower to fear, uncertainty, and unbelief and run! From now on I choose to be steadfast and immovable in my faith! What about you?
This week’s song is “In Christ Alone” by Passion Kristian Stanfill. May it be a reminder to us when trials come our way that we can be steadfast standing in the power and love of Christ.
Click here for song:
https://youtu.be/PGKJ2JHT9dw?si=xTiibTKa6ym53F5o
Janet Nelson, Devoted and Determined
https://mailchi.mp/wowjcmo/wow-devotion-john-6226957?e=6c56f70e45
Your Love 