James 1:1-4

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:  Greetings. 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, the brother of Jesus, is the author of this book, but he does not present himself as the brother of Jesus.  Rather, he calls himself the servant of God and Jesus.  This kind of humility is vital to the steadfastness that is necessary to face suffering.  The book is written to Jewish Christians who have been dispersed because of the persecution they faced.  Jews who trusted Christ faced persecution from their countrymen and blasphemers and from Rome as rebels.  Their lives became very difficult and as a result, some may have considered walking away from the faith.  James gives us three biblical responses to suffering.

BE JOYFULL IN TRIALS: Fallen things happen in a fallen world.  Trials we are called to face in this world come in all different shapes and sizes and they come from many different sources.  Some trials are just a part of living on a sin-cursed planet in fallen bodies.  Others are attacks that are orchestrated by sinful people who have rejected Christ or even come from Satan and his throng that want to deceive, discourage, and destroy us.  Unfortunately, there are trials that stem from our own sinful hearts.  No matter the source or variety of trial, we can be assured of one truth and that is the sovereign control of God over our circumstances.  The reason we can “count it all joy” when we face trials is because we know that God is at work through them.  He has called us to a life of rejoicing in all circumstances and equips us to be able to respond to difficulties in ways that reflect Him and His glory.  That is what we were created to do and when He makes us more like Jesus, that should be a source of joy in our lives.

BE STEADFAST IN TESTING: The trials that we face in life become tests of our faith.  We should not think of these tests as an exam that we pass or fail.  Rather think of them as training equipment in a gym that is designed to make us stronger and more effective.  We are to strive to stand strong and firm in the face of troubles and not allow the lies of Satan to overcome us.  God is at work even when we don’t understand how and can’t see the immediate results.  We must simply trust Him and do all we can to stand firm and be assured that He is working through all the circumstances of our lives to bring about His will.  We must not doubt His goodness or become discouraged.  We must allow Him to strengthen us through these tests of endurance. 

BE PERFECTED BY TEMPTATION: God’s commitment to us through the power of the Gospel is perfection.  We will spend eternity in the presence of God and will be perfect.  We will not sin, won’t get sick, our words and thoughts will all be pure.  This is not just a promise for future glory, but it is a present commitment of the Lord to work in our lives to start the process of conformation to the image of Christ now.  The temptations and trials that we face are intended by Satan to destroy us, but God is using these same things to perfect us.  That is God’s wisdom at work in our lives and His power is evident to us along each step of the way.  He longs to see us rejoicing in the perfection He created us to enjoy and is fully committed to bringing that about for His glory and our good.

APPLICATION: When we are tempted to complain about the circumstances we might face, rejoice instead. Let trials be a stimulus of joy.  Stand firm and resist the temptation to quit when things are difficult.  Remember that God is at work to build strength into our lives and conform us to the image of Christ.