"COUNT IT ALL JOY"

In James 1:2-4 we read these words, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (NIV)

Often the ‘right use of trials’ is of more value than the removal of those trials. If God sees fit not to remove a particular trial, then we can only conclude that the right use of the trial must be of some value to our life. Therefore, if out of some trial in life we have only grief and sorrow, an occasion for sinning, or a stumbling and faltering; but see no profit and no blessing, then, we must have missed some opportunity.
The opportunity may have been growth through resistance of sin; or it may be, as with Christ, a preparation to have sympathy and compassion on others who have sufferings similar to what we are going through; or it may be, as with Paul, the Apostle, that we learn all the more to depend on God’s grace. To really know that God’s grace is sufficient, might give us such an understanding of the grace of God to help make us far more effective teachers and workers for the Lord.
Most of us know that intense pressure on common carbon eventually makes diamonds. Likewise, the trial in one area may produce strength and character of even more value.
While producing patience in you, God may be producing a diamond for this darkened world; and through the trial of your faith, He then forms one of the most valuable jewels in His kingdom! God’s ability to do the impossible, through the most unlikely subjects, is a continual and amazing demonstration of His grace in molding and making us to be what He desires. No wonder we are asked to look on trials as if it were nothing but joy!
God allows our faith to be tested with the expectation that we will be approved by Him when that test is completed. “Proving” here, in the text, has that meaning. It is this successful trial of our faith that results in a bulldog tenacity to hang on. “Patience” is the concept of hanging
on with a grip that will not let go. It is so much more than long suffering, and has no connection with a humble submission to any circumstance. Rather, it is the I shall- not-be- moved attitude.
So I encourage you, as you may be going through some difficult time right now, hold on tight and God will get you through. God Bless...