There is something we can all expect in life, and that is trials. Truth be told, some of us do our best to avoid them. However, there are some trials we are faced with that are unavoidable, but that does not stop us from trying not to deal with them. Some people do their best to avoid conflict, because they don’t want it in their lives. Once you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are going to deal with trials. Why, because you have decided to embrace the truth, and it has set you free. You have become so excited by what the Lord has done in your life, you can’t keep it to yourself. So you begin to share the Good News with others, thinking they will be receptive. But this caused the trials in your life because some people don’t appreciate what you were doing. They are comfortable with their lives, and by sharing the truth, it causes them to become uncomfortable. So, they respond by attacking you for disrupting their lives by sharing the Gospel. Now you are conflicted in your Christian journey because trials have surfaced through your actions. You have not done anything to hurt anyone, but help all who are willing to listen.
In James 1:2-4, the writer is sharing with the readers on how they are to deal with trials. Why, because the trials are coming from those that don’t want to embrace the truth. These saints are not forcing their beliefs on anyone, but are living what they believe. This is making some people around them uncomfortable, because they are seeing how they are not living correctly. In essence the saints were sharing the truth, and living it. However, those that were uncomfortable realized the lie they were living, but they were unwilling to embrace the truth. This is not an epistle to a particular Church, but was shared with them all. James is sharing in verse 2 how we are to approach the trials. When you are dealing with trials, have an attitude of joy. These trials have surfaced, because you have made the decision to live a life that is pleasing in the sight of the Lord. This has caused others to attack you, for living the truth. You are to have joy, because you are impacting the lives of others. This is the Lord letting you know, you are on the right track. In verses 3 & 4, you are able to see the growth process that leads to maturity. Joy is evident through your faith, and as you move forward with endurance. Endurance is essential in your spiritual growth, and it leads to maturity. Which allows you to understand everything comes from the Lord, and He will supply all of your needs.
Do you understand, trials are part of your spiritual growth. As you are living for the Lord there will always be attacks from the enemy. Causing trials to arise in your life, but the Lord is using them for your spiritual growth. So, as you go through, continue to allow the joy of the Lord to be your strength. This is happening to let it be known, you are on the right track. Continue to walk in your blessings!
