I don't know about you but it seems like we all get
tested.
Whether it's something that we know is coming and perhaps
even have the time to prepare, or it's something sudden like a sickness or
even the death of a loved one, a financial hurdle or the loss of a job, testing
comes often.
How we deal with the tests are more important than the
difficulties themselves. Regardless of how difficult the trial or the
test, the way we respond is actually more important.
The book of James is one of my favorite books in the New
Testament, likely because it just seems like so much common sense.
Perhaps the reason it is common sense rather than a theological work is
because James was the half-brother of Jesus. The Bible tells us that
James and his brothers, Joseph, Simon and Judas were not followers of Jesus
early ministry (John 7:5). Scholars believe that Jesus likely
appeared to James after the Resurrection because James, his mother Mary and his
brothers were in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. James decision to follow Jesus was because he had proof. He had certainly not been as wise or as learned as his older brother, but he was street smart.
This is what James had to say about trials:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:2-5)
So testing produces perseverance. My definition of perseverance is the ability
to continue to do something even when it is difficult. I’d also say it’s summed up in the saying
“when the going gets tough, the tough get going”.
I love that….very practical advice.
When we persevere, the Apostle Paul said in Romans 5:3-4 "perseverance produces character; and character hope."
So when we have difficulties we have the opportunity to
develop both our character and also hope.
I’ve found that in the long run, most of the stuff that we worry about
and fuss about doesn’t matter. What matters
is character. If we have the character
that Jesus wants to produce in us and through us then we have the best hope of
all.
