The Joy in Trials?

I've been studying the book of James lately. Well, more reading and re-reading than actual "study." But God seems to speak most personally to me when I just commit to meditating on various sections of Scripture. One such portion I have pondered recently is James 1:2 - "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy." (NLT)

Trials as opportunities for joy. Hmm. I scratch my head and read the passage again. I know what trials are. Difficult situations. Angry people. Tragic accidents or illnesses. These inevitable circumstances of life are what most often produce confusion, stress, and despair. Yet, God wants me to count them as opportunities for joy? I have spent much time pondering such an imponderable.

But then I read on in James and an illumination like that of the early dawn light begins to expose the gem of truth in this mysterious principle. Verses 3-4 state, "For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything." (NLT) Aha! It's beginning to make more sense. There is a greater purpose to the trials I face than simply blocking my vision. God wants to build something in me: character.

Intellectually I know that God always has a purpose for the difficulties I face. But, frankly, sometimes the trials just feel like a lot of bad luck or useless inconveniences. It's one thing to look back on troubles and say, "Oh, now I see why I had to endure that!" But when the trial is front-and-center-stare-you-in-the-face-without-blinking, it's a whole other ball game. It isn't as easy to see the purpose. And sometimes God doesn't even show me the purpose even after the dust has settled. But, then again, that's not His ultimate goal in "testing my faith." He wants something greater than an academic knowledge of why I faced this or that trial. He wants to weave the very character of His Son, Jesus Christ, into the fabric of my soul. And that takes time, testing, and trials.

So, what about joy? Where does that fit in with all this testing? I think it fits in with adopting the same attitude Christ had when facing the ultimate trial, the cross. Hebrews 12:2 exhorts us, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (NIV) The joy I can experience in the face of trials comes from having a proper focus in the midst of such turmoil. While circumstances swirl about me, attempting to steal my joy, I can overcome such distractions by standing firmly on the truth that God's victory is sure, complete, and finished. There are no more battles, or trials, I could face that can overcome the power and grace of God. So, I press on confidently, and with joy, in the face of trials, knowing that the Author of my faith has blazed the trail and can lead me through.

This is a tough pill of truth to swallow because it means I must accept the fact that I WILL face trials in my life (even as a Christian). But as I read and re-read this passage I am reminded of God's great love and care for me. Who else would go to the trouble to ensure I develop strong, weathered character?

Reading and pondering,

jonathan