Adversity: Count It All Joy
TEXT: James 1
On this topic of “Adversity” we would like to explore why we should count it all joy when we are faced with various trials. It is observed that through adversity we learn who God really is, who we are, and our strengths and weaknesses. We need to understand that there are facts of life to be mindful of when facing adversities (trials); reasons for our trials; our response to trials must be appropriate and at the end a reward is received.
Facts of life to be mindful of when facing adversities (trial):
- Realise the reality of trials. Problems are inevitable. “Blessed [happy, to be envied] is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive [the victor’s] crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). See also 1 Peter 4.
- Trials are custom made and come in various types.
- Our trials have purpose.
Reasons for our trials:
- Problems purify our lives
- Problems are test of faith (testing of our faith)
- Problems (as testing of our faith) bring or produce perseverance. “Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
