Trials Are Opportunities For You To Rejoice
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4
Are you feeling anxious about your situation? Are you struggling to overcome the reactions of the flesh when triggered by situations?
Many Christians, even those who have been Christians for a long time, are struggling daily in the battle between their flesh and the Spirit, especially when trials come along the way. The road that we walk on in the race of faith is not always a smooth one; it can include rocks, even huge rocks, along the way. That is why we need the Holy Spirit. Nobody wants trials and temptations to come into their life, especially when they are at the peak season in their ministry, family, and the Kingdom of God. Trials do come anyway, but they are worked out by God for our good in the end (Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.).
Depending on the mindset that you carry, trials can either make you or break you. That is why we are here to study James 1:2-4—to remind us of our identity in Christ as a new creation. James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” The Apostle James reminds us that temptations and trials are not supposed to break us, but, instead, they are an opportunity to rejoice. It may sound crazy for someone to be joyful under stressful or tempting situations, but he said that it becomes an opportunity to practice our faith, put God’s Word into action, and grow in the LORD.
You are not supposed to be angry, worried, or frustrated when trials, temptations, and difficult situations corner you and test you. This is because when such an event takes place in your life, God is going to use that as an opportunity for you to grow and apply the faith that you have learned in His Word all along. As a child of God, when the enemy seems to be pressing you down and depressing you, start to make a joyful noise. As you seek Him, the Holy Spirit will speak louder in such situations. He will remind you of God’s Word and then make adversity an opportunity to grow in your faith as you put the Word into action and obedience.
What are you going through right now, and what is the Holy Spirit saying to you? Be still and listen to His voice, then obey as you hear.
