James 1:2-4 (Devotion)

"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 in nothing."

COUNT IT - James begins this teaching by calling for us believers (the church) to stop, recollect, and literally quantify how faithful the Lord has been in our lives despite the trials we have previously faced. How often do we stop and intentionally remember spiritual markers though?

ALL JOY - We are called not to find a shred of joy in our trials but to declare every aspect of the trial we face a blessing and gift from God that our character and countenance would be sharpened and refined through it.

MY BROTHERS - What distinguishes Christians from unbelievers is that we do not run or avoid trials but we embrace them as a family unit, coming alongside the needs of one another in trial. We also do not curse or question God for the trial because our identity in Christ as brothers calls us to a higher standard.

WHEN YOU - James admonishes us not "IF" we will each face trials, but "WHEN" we face trials. Therefore we must prepare our hearts and not be blindsided when adversity arrives.

MEET TRIALS - Trials are intended as opportunities for growth that we face head on, not run from, ignore or minimize. Conversely, we are not to be so consumed by them that we are incapacitated by them or they become a stronghold in our hearts.

OF VARIOUS KINDS - Be wise to expect trials but do not assume you know where, how and through whom they will come. Trust in God's sovereignty and do not be naive or easily shaken. For Satan knows our weaknesses and purposes to exploit them in a variety of schemes just as God seeks to use what Satan would intend for evil to sanctify us. Therefore, regardless through whom the trial comes, embrace God's sovereign will in full surrender and obedience to His Word.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines steadfastness as "firmness of mind or purpose; fixedness in principle; constancy; resolution; as the steadfastness of faith." In other words, when our faith is tested and refined in and through trials, what is produced is faithful endurance that is firm, resolute and unshakable.  And as we grow in holiness, we are perfected through the Son in our steadfastness.

Some may balk at the notion that our faith needs to he tested, but even Jesus' faith was tested in the wilderness (Matt. 4).  A faith test is simply a measuring stick or spiritual thermometer to see how firmly grounded or steadfast you are in your faith. I liken it to Jesus teaching of building a house upon the sand versus the rock. In the end, the result is the same, which is our sanctification. The real question is whether we allow the trial to take its full course or do we strive to shorten it or escape to some degree. James would say to let it take its full effect, for in the end God will reveal to you all you needed to learn in due time.