Count it all Joy

When something bad or something unexpected happens to us, what are our first thoughts or the first words out of our mouths? Is it, “Why me?” “Why now?” “I don’t have time for this!” “This couldn’t have happened at the worst time?” “I can’t believe this?” “Lord, have mercy on me!” “Lord, save me!” or “Lord, deliver me?” Or are our words, “It’s all good!” “Praise God!” “Thank You, Jesus!” “God, You’re so wonderful!”

Does the second set of words sound weird? If we heard someone say these words would it make us want to say, “Are you crazy?” or “Are you out of your mind?” This is what I’ve said to James after I read, “Count it all joy whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:3) because this is not normal behavior.

Yet, over and over, Scripture pairs suffering and rejoicing together. After the apostles were flogged, they went away rejoicing (Acts 5:40-41). Peter tells us to rejoice in our sufferings (I Peter 4:13). And Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad…” (Matthew 5:11-12).

“Rejoicing” in a difficult or an unfortunate situation doesn’t make sense unless we understand what God is trying to do in our lives, but James gave us one reason. James said, “…because the testing of your faith develops perseverance [and] perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:3-4).

Trials should not be an exercise in hopelessness and futility. God’s intent is to develop us to become godly people. God predestined us to be conformed into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). How can we develop spiritually if God doesn’t give us a gymnasium where we can workout? In other words, how can we become like Jesus if we don’t go through the same challenges that Jesus went through?

If this concept still doesn’t make sense and if it is too big for us to wrap our minds around this idea, James continues, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

Talk about a complete package deal! God not only gives us the goal, but He also gives us all the resources to accomplish His dream. Isn’t this a reason for revelry and celebration?