The Tough Times

¹ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.² Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance ⁴ Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:1-4, NIV 1984).

Honestly, I don’t know about you, but pure joy is not usually my first thought that comes to mind when trials show up.  Actually most trials are painful and difficult and my response is more like, when is it going to end!!  None-the-less, James says to consider it pure joy.

The author identifies himself as James.  Most scholars consider James to be the half brother of Jesus. Through the use of so many imperatives (expressing commands), James challenges his readers to continue to grow in their faith, so that they may be mature and complete and proving their faith by their actions.  We can almost sense a feeling of urgency as he jumps right in with an imperative in verse 2. 

 ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds… (James 1:2). 

Interestingly enough, he says when you face trials, not if but when.  The church at that time had scattered at this point, and they were facing persecution for their faith.  James was letting them know facing trials was inevitable.  Even Jesus said this when he warned them of the future to come, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me”  (Matthew 24:9, NIV).  And that was exactly what was happening.  They were scattered and facing persecution for their faith.  We have to remember that scripture can’t mean something different to us today then it did to them back then.  Knowing exactly what they were going through at that time helps us to better understand so that now we can glean a better meaning for James’ sense of urgency in his letter.

He’s not making light of the conditions they were in by any means. James knew when the pressure was on, their faith would be tested, and their actions would follow what they truly believed.  He knew the trials they were facing would either prove their faith or lack there of.  In that moment they were facing the ultimate test of their faith and their lives may have even depended on it.  James is boldly encouraging them (and us) to stay strong and persevere through the trials. 

Why, because the testing of faith has a purpose.  It develops perseverance, and perseverance brings a finishing work, becoming mature and complete, not lacking anything.  Perseverance in trials matures our faith and strengthens our character to live our faith in action.  Of course we know true completion will not come until Jesus returns, however His perfecting work begins here and now in our daily lives and situations.

² Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2, NIV 1984).  

Jesus set the example.  For the joy set before Him: He endured the ultimate trial, the cross, taking our punishment upon Himself, and conquered it.  He is the author and perfecter of our faith in all circumstances.   Even today as we face trials and persecution often they are hard and difficult.  The joy comes because of the outcome, which is His perfecting work in our lives. 

Jesus, thank You for the joy set before You, for enduring the cross, scorning it’s shame, and taking our place.  Give us the strength to stay strong and persevere when the trials, persecution, and various tests come into our lives.  Although it’s hard in the moment, You are at work perfecting us and maturing our faith.  May we consider the joy knowing You are molding us into Your completed masterpiece in Christ Jesus.