“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:2,3
One of those most “astonishing” admonitions from the Bible! “Count it all joy when ye fall into diverse temptations”. Unfortunately, we often read without really stopping to think about what we are reading and we move along quickly to the next words, But, have you stopped to consider, be joyful when you go through trials, conflicts, and problems? The first human reaction might be, “Are you crazy?” How could we count such as experience as joyful? First, let us understand “joy”. This does not mean we are laughing or jumping up and down cheering, thought it may! One might be shedding tears but have joy in his heart. Joy may or may not be manifest by other outward emotions, but I think it is an inward feeling of peace and thankfulness. How can we experience that when we are in trials? By knowing that we have a God who loves us; who want the best for us; and orders our circumstances to bring out this best which results in glory to Him and good for us. Knowing these things, we can experience joy. WE are also aware that our trial isn’t permanent. God will bring deliverance or healing at his determined time. And remember, who is in control. IT is God. We can cry, kick, and complain, but those do not change the situation at all. Or, we can go to God in prayer and rest fully on Him and on His Word, and find peace to ride out the storm. Being able to rest in God amid the conflict is a great virtue and a great manifestation of our faith.
