"Consider it a great joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know the testing of your faith produces endurance"
James 1:2:3 Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
It is considered that James was the brother of Jesus, He had not been a follower during Jesus' ministry and lifetime but came to believe, following the resurrection. He was a leader in the Jerusalem church and this epistle, was more than likely written to the Jewish Christians.
Tony Evans speaking of him writes:
'James is the 'in your face, no-holds barred apostle' James says in essence, "If you are going to be a Christian, be a real one." Tony Evans Study Bible, Holman Publishers CSB
It's true, James did not mince his words; he said it as it was and, if people didn't like it, it didn't bother him because, he had the Lord's work to do. Here he is encouraging people to be joyful whatever they may be going through. God uses trials to sound us out and develop us spiritually. His aim in using this method is to grow us more like Jesus.
Let us remember that our faith, is the target that all of the evil one's arrows are shot at. If the devil can get us to quit, he will be happy. This is why James tells us to consider all trials as pure joy. God is training us to overcome these trials so that we can attain victory.
Charles Spurgeon writes:
'Faith is vital to salvation as the heart is to the body. Therefore, the javelins of the enemy are mainly aimed at this essential grace. Your faith is perculiary obnoxious to Satan and to the world.' The Charles Spurgeon Study Bible. Holman Publishers. CSB
This tells us the importance of seeing trials as joy. God is pleased as we make our stands of faith, whereas Satan is angry and will continue to bombard us with whatever he can.
What are you dealing with at present? Is your faith being tested? If so, continue to stand and do what Satan hates more than anything - praise and worshipping God. Put some Christian music on and drown out the monotonous claims of the devil. Praise stops Satan in his tracks. When we praise, we are declaring that Jesus is still on the throne and it reminds Satan that his time is limited.
Ponder this for a moment, counting all our trials as joy bewilders the devil; he can't figure out how we can do this. So, exercise your faith and begin to praise.
Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.
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