James was identified as the half brother of Jesus. Being close to and working on behalf of Christ, James would know something about trials.
2: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Notice in verse 2 it states, "when" we fall into trials and not "if" we fall into trials. Trials are inevitable, especially for the believer. Satan doesn't have to work so hard at setting up stumbling blocks in the way of those who are already his. He will do anything it takes to prevent God's perfect will and blessings in your life. Notice also that it says "various" trials. Adversity knows no boundaries. It comes in all forms.
We are to try and keep a positive outlook and attitude about trials. We ocassionaly need to remind ourselves that God is there to carry us through. Looking at our trials in a positive light will lead us to know the true meaning of having joy in the midst of our trials. It will strengthen our faith and give glory to the Father?.
Trials (adversity) brings to light those areas in which we lack and it causes us to rely on God for His supply of what we need.
The idea behind this kind of joy is possessing the confidence in God's ability to see us through the trial. Knowing everything is in His hands, therefore, brighter days ahead!
Let's take a look at some other passages on this topic.
1 Peter 1:6-7
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
Contemplate the phrase, "much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire." Trials are an opportunity to grow spiritually and strengthen our faith. We see how important it is to have genuine faith, and it grows through time and trials.
How we should respond in trials:
1) With confidence that God will take care of everything if we allow Him.
2) With perserverance. Express grief and sorrow from hurts and losses, but do not let it turn to bitterness of morbid mourning. (Both can be manifestations of deeper demonic strongholds (yes, even in Christians) that became strongholds because they were not recognized and renounced.)
3) With courage because, with Christ, who is LOVE, there is no fear. He who suffered so greatly for us, will certainly be there for us when we call on His name.
Romans 5:3-5
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perserverance; 4 and perserverance, charcter; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Trials and tribulations play a necessary part in character building. The right kind of character, is vital to the Christian faith. As we see from verses 4 and 5, hope starts with trials, which produce perserverance, then character which can rest in our blessed hope. This hope which does not disappoint, but pulls us through, teaches us wisdom and makes our lives a living testimony to thers. Trials strengthen and teach us, making us overcomers!
4: But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
The word perfect in this particular passage means "having reached the end". The word "complete" means whole. We are perfected through our endurance of our trials.
Proceed to part 2 of this study.
