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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 (NIV)
How should we view the trials that we go through? First, we should reflect on the reasons why we are facing them. Unfortunately, for most of us, our questioning comes from our human form of questioning of the— ‘why me?’ aspect. This is of course just questioning God. Often this type of thinking easily moves into anger. This is the exact opposite of how we are directed to respond.
We are told to “consider it pure joy.” Now that seems a strange statement. If someone were to teach me to do that when facing trials, I would be tempted to call him an idiot. This would of course reveal only an immaturity and the unbiblical nature of my biblical and spiritual thinking.
We should view our trials with joyfulness, knowing what is really happening. That is, when we are being tried, our faith is being tested. What does that mean? When we face a challenge, do we respond by what we see and feel—or by what we believe to be true? If we are being tested it should increase our stability, our steadfastness, and our faith.
Father, help me to count all things as pure joy, whatever we face today. Give me the faith that is unwavering in all trials and let me found tested and true. Amen.
© Chrissy Siggee 2019
Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible
Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads
Riverside Peace 
Great post and very encouraging. Blessings and Peace!
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Thanks.
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This is most encouraging, God bless you.
Thank you for sharing this post with us.
Trials are designed to make our faith stronger and to help draw us even closer to God.
A very timely post. 🙂
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Thank you
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Choosing to have genuine joy through the trial is, I believe, the toughest part of the trial. Our humaness wants to tuck and run. It shows a very conscious effort of strength on our part. JOYOUS was my New Years Resolution Word for the year. It has been a tough lesson! 🙂
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This is very good. Yes, rejoicing in our trials is not something we do naturally, for sure. I must remind myself regularly that God is in control and that he has a purpose for it all, so I need to trust him.
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Amen. This is a really great post. I’ve heard so many people thank God for whatever is happening to them, because they think the Bible tells them to. But actually we are told to rejoice in what the trial is accomplishing within us and the opportunity to grow in Him, rather than what is happening to us. You said this wonderfully. God bless!
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Thank you for reading and for your comment. 🙂
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Thank you.
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Amen. The level of faith can’t be tested without trials.
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Profound thoughts
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Oh my oh my!! God directed me to this.. he is speaking through you to me.. Amen 🙏🏽 I’m reading the book of James as we speak… thank you for this wonderful word this morning
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You’re Welcome.
James has to be my favourite New Testament book aside from the Gospels.
Thank you for stopping by and reading.
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Always! James is one of my favorite books in the New Testament… as I’m reading through it I’m learning a lot..
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It’s a great book. Enjoy.
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Lately, I have been reminding myself to stay focued on the promise and not the problems. I learned a few years ago to praise my way through. Now when trials arise, I sing, “ The Lord is blessing me right now, ohhhh right now!”.
Great post! Thanks for the reminder to count it all on joy!!!
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Thank you. I’m pleased he has blessed you through my simple words.
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