Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1: 2-4
We’ve seen from Hebrews “it is for discipline (training) that we endure”. Jesus tells us if we endure to the end we shall be saved (experience not just heavenly salvation, but wholeness) and now, here in James, we find the ultimate goal of all trials of all kinds are that we might be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Again, we are being groomed to conform to the image of His son. All circumstances we face are to work in us to produce the character of Christ. My heart responds and reflects what I am lacking and the circumstance is designed to move me to “perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
James says, Count it all joy. Paul affirms in Romans, we rejoice in our suffering. How can we do that unless we understand and believe there is something in all of the events that is working for my good. Even though I might not see it, I must believe it. This is the ultimate expression of trust - in everything give thanks.
From the NLT in Romans 5 Paul writes ~ We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
To move from a place of frustration and despair in the midst of adversity requires a focused mind and heart on the purposes God is working in our lives. Sometimes the pressure is so great we can lose sight of the Fathers heart and care for us, yet God is not a man and he does not respond like man and we must stop trying to personify God.
Ps 8:14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. Steadfast love and faithfulness go before Him. He sits on a throne of grace, where we are told to come to find mercy and receive grace to help in time of our need. He is faithful to walk us through, showing us the way of escape. Thus, we count it all joy when we meet up with trials.
Are we saying that God sends the temptations? Nope, we are saying He works in them and all the workings of God are good ~ so, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.