James told us that we should “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”1 So, when we meet a trial along the way, we might consider it a test from God. Why would God test us? The same reason teachers give their students tests—to find out what they know. Not that God needs to find this out (he already knows!), but we do. We will never know what we know until we go through a test.
But heed this: many people think they are ready for the testing of their faith when they are not! Jesus told a parable about it. He said that some people, “when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.”2 Why did this happen? Because their foundation was rocky.
What should we do, then, to prepare for the testing of our faith? Make sure our foundation is secure and deeply rooted. And how do we do that? Paul has a good answer: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”3 So, we should give ourselves a test before God does! Not a bad idea! Okay. How? We should check our endurance levels. How long can we last in a difficult situation? Because if “faith produces steadfastness,” then if our faith is strong, so is our endurance.
How long does it take before we begin to waver, to falter, to question, to doubt? But how long should it take? Forever. James tells us “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”4 So, we are not to buckle under the strain of the test, but “be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”5 Okay. How do we become strong men (and women) who can “stand firm in the faith”?
Unfortunately, there is only one way to become strong, and that is to suffer, for “suffering produces endurance.”6 But this is good news! That means that there is a reason for the suffering! There is purpose in the pain! Which is why James said to “count it all joy!” You see, those who do not believe there is a God, do not have the same promise. They must conclude that suffering is meaningless because there is no purpose to anything! It’s all random. Others who believe that there is a God but do not subscribe to his laws, believe that suffering is punishment from God. But we who know God, understand that “all things work together for good for those who love God.”7
Therefore. Some day we might actually pray with David this prayer: “Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.”8 Some day we might tell God to Bring it on! But until then, we need to remember what Peter says about the test: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”9 We are to count on it! And one day, perhaps, “count it all joy!”
1James 1:2-3 2Luke 8:13 32 Corinthians 13:5 4James 1:12 51 Corinthians 16:3 6Romans 5:3 7Romans 8:28 8Psalm 26:2 91 Peter 4:12
