“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).
Contrary to all conventional wisdom, the inspired penman James declares God’s expectation for His scattered bondservants to be joyful in life’s various trials. In spite of God’s clear expectation, many Christians are not. Often this is because of a failure to be realistic about life.
For plant life to thrive upon our planet both sunshine and rain are needed. For you to thrive spiritually both the sunshine of tribulation (Mark 4:6, 17) and the refreshing water Jesus offers (John 4:13-14) are essential.
In addition, there are some facts about human existence which show no partiality. The sun shines and the rain falls on the just and unjust (Matthew 5:45). The rain, floods, and winds of life come regardless of whether you are a wise or foolish builder (Matthew 7:25, 27). Therefore, loved ones get sick and die. Accidents happen. People make mistakes, even tragic ones. And, everyone has an appointment with death.
To believe you are the exception to all the harsh realities of life is to embrace an accounting system which reckons life’s various trials as liabilities, not assets. With this accounting method, it is impossible to count/reckon it all joy when you fall into various trials.
