November 1
Bible Reading: James 1
James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
I’m a member of a spousal caregiver support group. Its stated purpose is to provide support and resources to people of all ages who care for partners with chronic illness or disability. Once a month, I join with others in a Zoom meeting to discuss the various challenges associated with caregiving. Such challenges are something I’ve witnessed frequently in the lives of those I visit as a hospice chaplain. The topic of discouragement came up in a recent meeting, leading to further discussion about how to not lose heart. I mentioned how we need to try to keep focused on the positives. But how is it possible to stay positive when pain, and illness, and even pending death cloud our vision? In some more troublesome cases, emotionally and physically draining tasks burden a caregiver, consuming all their time with no end in sight. Our text speaks to such matters. Everyone faces trials. Some trials can appear Goliath like. But God is aware of what we are going through, and He can even use our trials for good in our lives.
“Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Someone has said that life is 10% circumstances, and 90% what we make of them. “When in trouble and in doubt run in circles, scream and shout,” might be the response of some, but God calls us, as believers, to something better. He has called us to “joy” (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16). “Joy” is not the same as “happiness.” Happiness is a worldly commodity that is realized to the extent that one’s circumstances measure up to one’s expectations. “Joy,” on the other hand, is that Spirit-borne contentment of the soul that is sourced ultimately in one’s relationship with God (Galatians 5:22; Romans 15:13).
One key to responding to trials appropriately is realizing (i.e., “for you know;” James 1:2) that God has a purpose in them. The awareness of adults and infants leads to contrasting reactions in the dentist’s chair, for the adult realizes why they are there. The realization of what God is accomplishing in us amidst the trials we face makes a lot of difference in how we respond (Romans 5:3-4, 8:28).
In trials, faith is tested, as gold is refined by fire (1 Peter 1:7). The heat drives the impurities to the surface where they can be removed. Trials have a way of bringing “spiritual impurities” to the surface in our lives. Attitudes, words, and actions—that are inconsistent to who we are in Christ—are made apparent. The Spirit identifies such things to us through the Word, so that we can put them off during the process of spiritual growth into Christ-like maturity.
It is the knowledge of this reality that helps us to maintain a positive perspective (Romans 8:28). Trials are not just problems, but teachable moments in God’s divine classroom. He uses them to shape us into Christlikeness. God is so good at turning things around! I love the truth that is found in 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” The trials you are now facing might not seem light and momentary now, but they are so when weighed against the eternal weight of glory that awaits you in heaven. “We do not lose heart” because we are aware of this reality (2 Corinthians 4:16)!
Andrew Murray was suffering from a terribly painful back, when a woman who was in trouble came to him asking for counsel. He passed on to her some advice he had just written for himself: “In time of trouble, say:
- First, He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this place: in that fact I will rest.
- Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.
- Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
- Last, In His good time He can bring me out again—how and when He knows.
Therefore, say I am here, (1) By God’s appointment, (2) In His keeping, (3) Under His training, (4) For His time.”
The key to rejoicing amidst trials is the realization that God is using them to build in us Christlike character!
There’s joy that no language or thought can express,
It comes from His presence divine;
And when in His likeness at last I awake,
Its fullness I know will be mine!
LookingtoJesus 