Trials are part of life. In school we learn and then we are tested to see what we know. In many ways life itself is a test. What have you learned? Are you prepared? While no one wants to be tested on hard things that we don’t fully understand the book of James in the opening verses tells us to count it all joy. James writes count it all joy when you mee trials and to James I would respond easier said than done.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4 ESV

The Joy of Testing Day

When the test arrives in whatever form. Count it as joy. So what does the test look like and how does one have joy in the test? For me much of my testing comes in the form of how I want and use money. I like money and over the years God has tempered my greed with tests to make sure that I love him more than I love to make money. For example, I don’t ever ask for a raise. I let God move in his own time to make it happen on my behalf. It is a test that is unique for me. Do I trust him to provide? I have walked away from jobs with no other prospects and no plans for my next payday. But I did that in obedience and faith that God would take care of my needs and wants. Were these tests? Yes. Did I do that joyously? Not really. Cout it all joy says James.

Why should I count it all joy? To answer that question, we need to break down the ideas that James is communicating. Trials, various kinds, and steadfastness.

Count the Joy of Trials

Count it all joy when you are overtaken by various trials. So what we will look at here is what is a trail? What is a temptation? The Greek James is using is πειρασμός (peirasmos) which is a temptation, an experiment, trial, or proving. We will fall into a moment of proving if we believe what we believe or if we will fall back and flee the moment. God tells you to walk away from friends that are bad for you. Do you linger or do you listen to God? The response is a trial. Count this a joy.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV

All Kinds of Tests

James tells us that we will be tested by various kinds of tests. What does he mean exactly? These test will take the form of the types of things that life brings our way. Temptation. Hard choices. Taking up something that requires more effort that we may want to give. Inconvenience. If there is anything I know about following God it is inconvenient to what I want to do. The various idea that James wants us to understand is that trials will come in motley, uncertain, and manifold numbers of ways. You can’t predict the curve ball headed your way. So count it all joy when it shows up. Pain you may have but joy can still remain.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV

Steadfastness

Why the test? Why count the test with joy? Here James gives the reason. “And let steadfastness have its full effect” in you. The test dear reader will change you. It will shape you. Like a river shapes the rocks and the bank so the testing of various kinds will make you into the man or woman that God wants you to be. The Greek word ὑπομονή (hypomone) means steadfast, patient, constancy, and endurance. Are you ready to put your faith into practice? Then the test reveals to you the truth of what desires are in your heart.

He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. Romans 2:6-8 ESV

The Test Reveals Our Character

When we see someone perform an act of courage in a life-or-death situation people applaud them. We say that is a real man who sacrifices himself for others. Self-seeking individuals who would save themselves at the expense of others are despised or called cowards. Those situations reveal our character to ourselves and to others. The test tells us about ourselves. God brings out of our heart who we really are.

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

Embrace the Challenge

Count it all joy if you find success before God or if you fail. If you fail this test repent and seek him. Allow God to alter your life. While you live there is another test on the horizon and give it an opportunity to have full effect. Allow God the opportunity to sanctify your heart that as James says you may be complete and lack nothing.