The apostle writes as follows: “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 nothing” (James 1:2-4). The subject here is the testing of faith, and the purpose of testing.
To the average person, trials and adversity are never welcome visitors in any form. However, for the Christian, God wants us to “count it all joy when we meet trials of various kinds.” Humanly speaking, that is not easy to do. However, from God’s perspective, it is “the testing of your faith.” The point is that when negative circumstances come our way, we must keep our focus on God, who alone is able to help and deliver us. Bearing in mind that when trials oppress us and adversities distress us, God will never leave us alone. If we keep our spiritual eyes on God, He will enable us to get us the wisdom and endurance that we need during those times.
The context says, “the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Steadfastness here means “the firmness of your faith in Christ” (Colossians 2:5). Remember the great “faith chapter” in the Scripture which states: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Christians must rest assured in the knowledge that when trials confront us, and they certainly will, our all-wise God has something in mind for our good. We are either going to trust God or doubt what He has promised to do. No one should attempt “sugar coating” trials as if they are just a little bump on the road of life. Trials are real, and God is also real, and He does not expect us to face trials without His intervention. God is faithful. And He tells us “casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you”(1 Peter 5:7).
James argues that we should “let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” This is exactly the objective of steadfastness. Sometimes it is not so much how a thing begins, but rather how it ends is more important.William MacDonald makes the following commentary: “Sometimes when problems come we become desperate and use frantic means to cut short the trial. Without consulting the Lord as to His purposes in the matter, we rush to the doctor, for instance, and gulp down large doses of medicine in order to shorten the trial. By doing this, we actually may be thwarting God’s program in our lives. And it is just possible that we may have to undergo a longer trial in the future before His particular purpose is realized in us. We should not short-circuit the development of endurance in our lives. By cooperating with God we will become mature, well-rounded Christians, lacking in none of the graces of the Spirit” (Believer’s Bible Commentary, p. 2218).
Submission to God’s will and His purposes when we face trials and other problems in life, is the greater good for our wellbeing. We can call to mind the experience of the apostle Paul with his “thorn in the flesh.” He writes, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities . For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). What a stature of a man. We need to sincerely follow Paul’s approach to trials and other problems in life, realizing that God’s grace is also sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in weakness.
The God we worship and serve is still on His throne in heaven and He will never forget His children. Even when there is a change of circumstances for the worse, God will be there for us. Our part is to learn to accept our “testings” while realizing that His grace is sufficient to meet every need. One of the essential ingredients in the Christian life is wisdom. King Solomon, the wisest man that ever lived, instructs us to “Get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:7). And James also says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). We need wisdom. Wisdom means “having good knowledge and judgment.” The wisdom from God will definitely help us to endure our trials in a more peaceful and joyful manner, recognizing that God allows trials for our good. God will continue to impart His wisdom to us even in the midst of the trials. “Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:11).