If you quote James 1:2 when sharing with people, not many would be too enthusiastic in their response. You would only need to look at their faces to gauge that.
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds."
I have begun to realize what a great opportunity it is to use times of trials to prove the faithfulness of the word of God. The times of testing of faith are able to develop perseverance to depend on God. It is often our reluctance to persevere in times of trial that makes us choose the easy way out. I have several times been guilty of this and that is why I now see it as a great opportunity to remain joyous in times of trial and testing.
Times of trial make us completely dependent on God. We look to Him for help. We bring our cares to Him crying, “Lord, I cast my anxieties on You because You care for me.” (1Pet. 5:7) “You are my Helper; I will not be afraid.” (Heb. 13:6) Day and night our thoughts are on Him – looking to Him to save us.
It is this dependence on God that pleases Him. Psalm 147:10,11 says: “His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor His delight in the legs of a man; The Lord delights in those who fear Him, who put their hope in His unfailing love.”
When through perseverance we delight in our dependence on God and His word – verses on our wall calendar; our favourite scripture; that beautiful chorus or hymn we sing in church – all jump alive in our heart. Our faith begins to affirm in all sincerity, “You are my God who never fails. You remain faithful forever.”
It is this faith, (this dependence; this perseverance) that pleases God immensely. It glorifies Him. He is exalted.
There is no way our times of trial can compare with those of the Lord Jesus. Yet, to understand how joyous obedience to God’s will (and dependence on His perfect ways) glorifies God, look at John 12:27,28. “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father glorify Your name!”
We need to persevere so that when we have done the will of God, we will receive what He has promised. (And let us not forget that it is always the best.) For in just a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay. But His righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, God will not be pleased with him.” (Heb. 10:36-38) Praise God for the abundant grace He gives to believe in His unfailing, faithful and perfect character. Let us cling to this grace and make use of such opportunities while it is still ‘Today’.
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