“…Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”
James 1:1-2
A young college student had her scholarship cut, a family member fell seriously ill, and someone at school spread slander about her. During her daily Bible reading, she read James 1:1–4 and began to see her trials as a testing ground for her faith. She chose to keep trusting God, praying, and serving. By the end of the semester, she was not the same person. Her suffering had not vanished, but through it she became “mature and complete, lacking nothing” (v.4, HCSB), the kind of character that only tested faith can produce.
The Greek salutation translated as “Greeting” is written in the imperative and conveys the idea of “keep on rejoicing,” corresponding with the ensuing phrase “count it all joy.” In Christ’s strength, we are to count (esteem)1 trials as a cause to rejoice (Acts 5:41). Consider three reasons why we should “keep on rejoicing” in all circumstances of life—even the difficult ones.
First, suffering is a gift from God. Philippians 1:29 says, “For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” “Charizomai” translated as “granted” means to “to grant as a favor.” It comes from “charis,” translated as “grace” in Ephesians 2:8: “For by grace you have been saved through faith…” Both our salvation and our trials are gifts, a demonstration of God’s grace. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (Jam. 1:17). The Lord gives and permits tribulations for our spiritual benefit and His glory. Though often difficult, each trial is granted by a loving Father and is specifically designed for us.
Next, we are called to follow the path of our Savior who said, “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26) First Peter 2:21 says, “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” Like Christ, we are not of this world, and this invites suffering (John 17:14; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 4:3-4). We are on the road to glory but in this world we will experience tribulation (John 16:33). One might object and say that we are blessed to live in a nation that guarantees religious freedom. So did Job. Yet, he became a target because he was a believer. He had no idea of the conversations between our sovereign God and the devil (Job 1-2). Though not always obvious or stated openly, the thorn in the flesh, employment layoff, or tragic loss we experience may result from our identification with Christ.
Last, trials promote spiritual growth and equip us to serve Him. James 1:3–4 says, “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.” For example, someone who has experienced the tragic loss of a loved one is equipped to comfort another person who is experiencing a similar grievous trial (2 Cor. 1:3-4). They can identify with and be empathetic toward them.
Suffering is a means through which God instructs (Ps. 119:65–71), disciplines (Heb. 12:5–11), trains in obedience (Heb. 5:7–8), prevents pride (2 Cor. 12:7–9), gives assurance (1 Pet. 4:13–14), refines, and conforms us into the image of Christ. It is the pathway to spiritual maturity, producing endurance, character, and hope (Rom. 5:3–5). Suffering serves as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the sustaining grace of God and the reality of a hope that transcends present circumstances. The promise of resurrection, glorification, and eternal fellowship with God provides the ultimate assurance that suffering will not have the final word. Peter reminds us that we not only have an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance reserved for us in heaven, but that we are also kept by the power of God in our present circumstances (1 Pet. 1:3–5). We have a living and certain hope of being with and like Christ, and in this we greatly rejoice (v.6).
Footnotes:
1. Complete Word Study Dictionary (Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2013), electronic version