◄ What Does James 1:3 Mean? ►

So much in the Christian walk seems to be diametrically opposite to all that the Word of God says, and the suffering that we face in this world is no exception. We are told in many places the reasons and benefits of suffering, and are given many examples of people who faced severe trials in their lives, but who came through as gold. It may be Satan who throws suffering our way in an attempt to bring out the worst in us and shipwreck our faith in the Lord, but it is God Who takes our suffering and turns it into a test for good, for our faith is always tested by God in order to bring the very best in us. And James reminds us: "The testing of your faith produces steadfastness."

James was writing his epistle to Christians who had come out of Judaism, and were not only facing persecution from their Gentile overlords and the religious leaders of the Israel, but also from their fellow Jewish countrymen. His letter implies that many were facing deep financial hardship as well as severe persecution for their faith, and so he encouraged his brothers and sisters in Christ to consider it real joy when they encountered various trials and hardships because the testing of their faith produced perseverance, steadfastness, and patient endurance.

How similar the days in which we live mirror the days about which James was writing, and the lesson that they were to learn is one that we need to understand fully and apply consistently if we are to resist the temptation of Satan who seeks to shipwreck our faith. Let us consider times of testing in our lives as a God-given opportunity to produce in us perseverance, steadfastness, and patient endurance.

If we can consider the obstacles of life to be opportunities that mature our faith and produce in us patient endurance, we will come to understand that God is using the trials of life to benefit our Christian character, and to help us grow more like the Lord Jesus. When trouble comes our way, let us consider it an opportunity for great joy, knowing that when our faith is tested, our patient endurance has a chance to grow and our life will glorify our Father, Who is in heaven. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I desire to grow in grace and become more like Jesus. I am beginning to understand that in this life, I will have testings and trials. I pray that You will keep me steady in the trials of life. Thanks be to God that by the power of the Holy Spirit, the testing of my faith will develop perseverance in me. May I come forth as gold, to Your praise and glory. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.