Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

Finding JOY in the Midst of Trials

During the early years of my Christian faith, I struggled with comprehending the verses in James 1:2-4, which say, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." How does a Christian find JOY while encountering trials and tribulations? It just didn't make sense!

I used to think that when I faced a trial my response was to express the attitude of "whoopee!" - I lost my job, got in a car accident, or lost a loved one in death. I thought that I was simply to put on a smile and say how happy I was…regardless of the situation. I believed that I needed to follow what these verses said out of simple faith and shear obedience.

I observed the responses of more mature Christians as they faced their difficult situations, such as being laid off at work, the death of a child, having a child disappear for years while chasing after drugs, etc. I saw that they really had a true peace and a joy in their heart. I knew I wanted that same peace and JOY, but I just couldn't figure it out. How did they do that?

It was years later in my Christian journey that my epiphany finally occurred. This JOY results from each and every trial I face and can only come over time and experience. I noticed that indeed I was experiencing joy and peace during my trials and tribulations of life…it was just happening.

Here's what I discovered about the truth in this passage of scripture.

First and foremost, I found out that God is in control and has my best interest at heart. He has a plan for my life (Jeremiah 29:11). In every trial, I witnessed God's hand directing my path, giving me strength, and providing a solution. I then saw in retrospect how God used each trial to increase my faith and spiritual growth. I got to see God "work all things for good" in my life (Romans 8:28). That is something to be joyous about!

As difficult as the trial would be, I found joy, comfort, and peace knowing that through the trial I would get to see God work it together for my good…somehow. I was able to see God provide the solution. Every time He came through for me, and every time my faith grew as a result. That is something to be joyous about!

In this process, God was also shaping my character and values and developing my perseverance (James 1:3). This perseverance was maturing my faith. Becoming mature in Christ is also something to be joyous about!

The ultimate outcome of my maturity is that I'll be lacking nothing (verse 4). This isn't lacking nothing, as in material possessions. It's lacking nothing in my faith so that I'm able to get through whatever trial is coming my way. That brings me great peace and joy!

Let me encourage you: as you experience trials, you will get to see God work in your life, answer your prayers, meet your needs, work things to your good and increase your maturity, so that you will lack nothing in facing the next trial. And, that is truly something to have JOY about!

Roy E. Tullgren III serves as Director for Gospel Rescue Mission. Find out how you can get involved and make a difference by calling: 740-1501.