JAMES 1:1-3 – James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

THEME OF THE DAY. MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE. Tough circumstances, trying situations, difficult relationships, emotional highs and lows . . . those are just five things that mark our journeys to heaven. We are ever encountering what the Apostle James calls “trials of various kinds.” And just to remind ourselves, it isn’t going to change whether we are young, old, or move to a different place or environment. We simply have to accept not only the words of James but these from the Apostle Paul to the young believers in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch – When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:21-22). Life is traveled on a road full of the “potholes” of trials and tribulations. And how we respond to them not only says much of our walks with the Lord but how much we are submitting to the work of the Lord in our lives for these “potholes” are from Him for our good.

In today’s scripture, James puts us in a position of choice when it comes to our response to trials and tribulations. The choices? It is implied in his words “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds”. We either choose to respond with joy in trials and tribulations or react in the opposite of joy which would be the “fleshly fruits” of stress, irritation, rebellion, unrest, even complaining. What we choose is significant for our growth in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus (2 Peter 3:18). Choose joy – we grow. Choose against joy – we stop growth. But it is important we understand our response of joy is not in the strength of our resolve, but in the looking to and relying on Him who is our joy – the Lord Jesus. And here is the application. It comes from the familiar verses in the twelfth chapter of the letter to the Hebrews . . .

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted (Hebrews 12:1-3).

What happens when we obey the command to be looking to Jesus? It draws us to meditate upon His sufferings; His sacrifice for us, or in the Apostle James’ words – “the various trials”. There is a work of the Holy Spirit in us as we look upon the trials and tribulations of our Lord Jesus for us that enables us to take joy in our own trials and tribulations. Why? Because it fulfills what the Apostle Paul states are the goals in the Christian life – “That I may know Him, the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10). And also identifies us with the witness and experience of the early church – Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name (Acts 5:41).

So, when facing trials and tribulations in life, the choices are really to look at Jesus or look at ourselves. If we choose the former, then we will count them joy. If we choose the latter, there will be no joy in the trials and tribulations which means no spiritual growth. May the Lord help us to choose to keep our eyes on Him, not ourselves or circumstances.

PRAYER: “Father, help me to see that trials are for good, my good, to develop spiritual character.”

QUOTE: “Trials purge us from ourselves and make us fit vessels, emptied of self, for the Master’s use”