Count it All Joy?

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2).

Consider it pure joy? Come on! Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds? You’ve got to be kidding me!

What in the world could this mean?

Couple of things. This is a true statement. AND, this true statement is first learned in hindsight.

First, this is a true statement. Look back at your life to the seasons when you had the greatest spiritual growth and maturity. I bet ya, it was when you were going through a rough time. Admit it. It’s true right?

When I ask people this question, not one person has ever described an easy season in their life. Ever!

Your spiritual maturity and your spiritual intimacy with God came at the other end of a hard season. That’s why we can look back and consider that season of trials and sufferings with pure joy.

And, just because we learn this truth in hindsight does not mean this doesn’t have any bearing on how we move into the future. Because of what was learned in the seasons of suffering, we can face future seasons with joy, knowing that they too will move us to greater maturity and intimacy with our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

So, you find yourself going through a season? Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters!