Joy in Trials and Disappoinments

 

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. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:1-4 ESV).

 

Our reading today is not a typical Christmas passage. However, this letter from “James, a servant of God, to scattered Jewish Christians” (twelve tribes), urging them to find joy in trials because enduring these tests builds perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness, lacking nothing. It's a foundational passage about faith, suffering, and character development, emphasizing that God uses difficulties to strengthen believers' endurance and perfection.

 

There are many circumstances that lead to challenges and sometimes disappoint us with an adverse outcome. Disappointment can lead to frustration and anger. Fear may enter the picture as well. It could be the loss of a job, strained relationships at home, and pressures at work that bring stress into our lives. We also struggle when we get sick, or when a family member or friend becomes ill. There is also the heart-wrenching pain of persecution, which remains a reality in our world.

 

James urges us to “consider it pure joy” when we face ­trials and struggles in our lives. That is an amazingly counter-intuitive statement. It is certainly one of the most challenging commands in the Bible. But James explains that trials and sufferings in the lives of believers produce a stronger and more robust faith. And faith, as Peter puts it when he talks about suffering, is more valuable than gold (cf. 1 Peter 1:7).

 

When we see our struggles from this perspective, we can also begin to understand why Paul calls them light and temporary (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:17) and “not worth comparing with the glory” that awaits us (cf. Romans 8:18). All of this is the result of the great work of grace and redemption begun when Jesus was born in Bethlehem! That prompts joy in our hearts!