READ

James 1:2-4: ² Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

EXAMINE

James says “WHEN” not “IF” you meet trials, and often times we are surprised when a hardship comes our way because it interrupts our illusion of control. He calls us to welcome them, because ALL trails and difficulties have the opportunity to produce joy, not because the trails are pleasurable. When we lift our gaze we see the end results (1 Peter 4:12-13). James is not saying that God authors our suffering or trails, but permits such experience, and works with us in the midst of them to produce a deep joy and character that radiates from Christ. To embrace trails and difficulties is impossible on our own, but we have a God who meets us where we are, and walks patiently with us through them. Patient endurance is key, because while we value pleasure, God values a deep character. We want a quick, one-time rescue, God shows up daily to heal and restore us into eternity. Our faith starts to grow when we get tired of trying to save ourselves or avoid hardship, because there, we start to trust God more fully and ourselves less (1 John 5:4).

APPLY

We don’t enjoy trials; most of us do everything possible to avoid them. Trails and testing are profitable to test our faith and reveal where our faith is actually placed. When we meet trials with patience, we open ourselves up to the opportunity to become more and more like Jesus— perfect, mature, full-grown, complete, entire, perfect in every part, lacking in nothing, deficient in nothing, wanting nothing. There is an old tale about a man who lived out in the desert about seven miles from water, “he said to himself one day “What need is there for me to endure this toil? I shall come and live near the water.” And saying this, he turned about and saw one following him and counting his footprints. He questioned him saying, “Who are you?” The follower answered, “I am the Angel of the Lord. I am sent to count your footprints and give you your reward.” At this, the old man’s heart grew stout. Renewed, he set his cell further from the water.” This little story and James Chapter 1 are an encouragements that God is still with us, working in us and with us to be “perfect and complete” which is only found in Christ. Do not surrender, for not a single footprint is wasted in the Kingdom of God.

PRAY

Take a few minutes to sit in silence and reflect on the man from the desert and ask God to reveal to you what areas in your life you feel that you are “enduring a toil”. Pray that the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see the God who loves you and is not letting a single footprint in your life go to waste. Ask God to work with you in developing the patience and perspective you need as He develops your joy in His kingdom.