“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” James 1:1
This is easy to say, hard to practice. Why? Because it is done in the face of pain, and is completely by faith—faith in God’s goodness, His plan, His power.
My wife, Barbara, has landed back in the hospital, her least favorite place. She has low sodium, low temperature and low kidney function. To count this joy is, by human standard’s illogical, hard to do–and right.
James goes on to say, “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” God has a purpose (actually several), and this is a big one. Our suffering is not random or purposeless, but has positive goals.
Jame encourages us to press on through these trials: “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Why persist? Because God is seeking to make us complete, mature, entire.
Are we going to embrace the trials He allows? Or are we going to complain, feel sorry for ourselves or question God’s goodness? The right answer is clear and powerful.
In the midst of this, we would appreciate prayers for Barbara’s recovery and return to home in the Lord’s timing.
