In these verses, James teaches us three practical principles regarding how to profit from trials. These principles are as relevant for true believers today as they were for the believers in the early church.1. Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials (Jas_1:2 NIV). Trials are seldom met with joy. However, James not only instructs us to face trials with joy, but with pure joy.
James is telling us not to "fake it." We should have a joy which is neither contrived nor forced as some impossible religious obligation. To the contrary, we should have pure, unadulterated, all-encompassing, thorough joy! It should be the "real thing." As I go through my own personal trials with my heart condition not know if it will beat one more time and add to that I have vertigo, I am not only dizzy but tired just by standing up. Well what can I learn from this trial when I want to serve the Lord and my body says no. One of the greatest promises regarding such trials or temptations is found in 1 Corinthians, where Paul writes, "No temptation (trial) has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1Co_10:13). It is with this kind of joy, hope, and optimism that we should face the trials of life. I will be honest it is hard to bear it, I certainly am not happy about my condition, so what can I do? The problem is that there is simply no rational or logical reason for the trial—or at least not one that I can identify and understand. I am reminded the testing of myfaith develops perseverance (Jas_1:3). God is not the author of evil, suffering, or trials, but He has a wonderful capacity to use them for our good. The apostle Paul wrote, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom_8:28).Within this context, James contends that there is a very practical result of facing trials with pure joy and with deep faith in Jesus Christ. The result of such trials is the great virtue of patience or perseverance. Let us explore together how such testing can lead to patience or perseverance in our lives. Easier said then done! This kind of testing can be compared to a refiner's fire which burns out all the alloys from the precious metal. As God allows this testing in our lives, He uses it my our good. As I turn to Him and commit myself to Him, He allows the impurities of motive and conduct to be removed from my lifestyle. And He leaves in their stead the wonderful gift of patience or perseverance. The testing which God allows to take place in my life is at the place of greatest spiritual significance—my faith. It is by faith that we come to God; it is by faith that we follow Him, and it is by faith that we receive His wonderful promises, including life eternal. As we are tried, our faith grows. We trust God more fully and ourselves less fully. Indeed, "this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith" (1Jn_5:4).