Trials, trouble, hope, and courage—possible for every believer
By Dean Collins
I recognized the look I saw in my friend’s eyes, because I had seen that look before. I’ve seen the tired eyes and downcast gaze of someone who wonders when this situation will finally resolve. It’s a look of one who has played a situation over and over again, trying to decide if they could have done something different to prevent or change the outcome. It is the attitude that can lead to retreat. Discouragement, especially when it’s prolonged, can end in defeat.
Trials and troubles
James wrote to believers he knew would find themselves experiencing a variety of trials. It is impossible to live as a true follower of Jesus and avoid difficulty. Jesus said that in this world we would have many troubles. But he also said to take courage because he had overcome the world and shown us a path forward. His path is sure, and it leads to ultimate victory. But his path is one that includes difficulty, opposition, abuse, and suffering. Not every minute or every day, but trials do come because we live in a fallen world, and not everyone lives with the grace, mercy, and love of Jesus as their foundation. Those who do not follow him will sometimes choose to take advantage of those who do.
A different option
James said to consider it all joy when we meet trials of various kinds, because something greater than the trial is at work through these experiences. Ultimately these tough moments can and will produce strength of character that leads to full maturity that tells us we have everything we need to face any situation.
James didn’t say this comes naturally or easily. In fact, his instruction assumes we don’t naturally begin with joy, but just the opposite, when trouble hits us. When we are attacked mentally, spiritually, or even physically, our reactions may be to fight back, to run, to hide, to do whatever is necessary to protect ourselves.
The instruction of James assumes this. He is writing words of wisdom to offer a different option for how to process the pressure of our suffering. Consider it a joyful situation, he says, because ultimately the suffering will help us develop a deep and lasting character that will serve us well even to eternity.
It is neither instant nor natural to think of facing trials joyfully. And joyfully doesn't mean some sort of denial or silliness. It is a deep awareness that our suffering aligns us deeply with Jesus who suffered for us. When we realize what Jesus endured and what he has empowered the saints before us to survive, we come to realize that he is with us and will get us through as well. Our gritty faith in these tough times reflects Jesus to others. When others see Jesus in us, we have no idea how many good things God can bring from Christ being visible in us.
A suffering Savior
I left my friend determined to pray for him. But I also left my friend knowing that I can also be stronger because his courage inspired me. I left my friend having seen a glow of Jesus in his countenance even in the middle of his struggle. I left my friend wondering how eternity might change for someone, maybe many, because he is enduring suffering in the name of Jesus.
When we are in the middle of a trial, even if we consider it with an attitude of humble joy, we will still feel the physical and mental impact of suffering. Even Jesus showed the impact of his suffering in his body, his mental state, and his tears. We are no different. This is why when we see others going through tough times, we must pray for them. Our prayers may be the very thing God uses so that they can in fact consider the joy in their suffering that perfects their faith and impacts the world around them for Christ’s glory.
Finding hope
In Romans 5 Paul offers teaching similar to the one from James 1. Paul adds that as we go through our suffering, our character produces hope and that hope never puts us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
I am praying today that my friend will trust the work and presence of the Holy Spirit in his life and that the Spirit of God will help him discover and see hope rising in him and in his current situation.
I suspect that praying for others who are going through various kinds of trials is work that will also strengthen us when our moment of difficulty arises. In the family of God, we can be assured that our brothers and sisters in Christ will also be praying for us when we need it most.
Your time with God’s Word
James 1:2-4; Romans 5:1-5 ESV
Photo by Nathan Dumlao at Unsplash
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