Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you go through various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.    James 1:2-4 HCSB

I remember the first time I really read this verse and thought about what it meant. I thought how can you be joyous when you are going through a trial? It really didn’t make sense to me. Why would I consider it a great joy when I am going through a trial?

If we keep reading, however, we come to understand that our trials and tribulations are what grow our faith and make it stronger. When our faith grows, it builds our endurance. Once we have faith and endurance, we can do what God calls us to do. We can go through the trials that come our way. This is what makes us mature Christians. This completes us and leaves us lacking in nothing. We have all we need to do what God calls us to do even if it means enduring times of trials.

It’s so easy to be a Christian when everything is going our way. It’s easy to love God and praise Him for the good He does in our lives. It’s not so easy to be thankful when enemies come against us, or we find ourselves in difficult situations.

I have to tell you though, for a while, the only time I drew near to the Lord was when times were hard. God had a way to keep me close to Him. It got so as all the times were hard. My life was chaotic. I had no choice but to give it over to Him.

I had to let it go and watch Him work. I had to trust in Him because I finally realized there was nothing I could do. It was such a relief giving it all over to Him. When I did this, He just worked things out for me in ways I never could have imagined.

I wish I could tell you that today I jump for joy when I find myself in a trial, but I’m not there yet. I will, however, tell you that I now realize when a trial comes my way God has it under control. There is no need for me to fret or panic. I just need to trust in Him.

I do find my faith grows with each trial. I know I will not be complete until I get to heaven. I also know that He works all things for my good because I love Him and do my best to do what He calls me to do (Romans 8:28).

If you are going through a trial, give it all over to Jesus. Trust in Him. No matter how hard it gets, He’s got it. He will uphold you and strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10). If you develop a habit of giving your troubles over to Him and focusing on Him and the work He calls you to do, your faith will get stronger. You will be better able to endure the hard times that will surely come your way.

Many of us profess to be Christians, but never experience spiritual growth. We grow big and strong by enduring the tests that come our way. As you pass each test, you will grow in strength and knowledge. This is how we become big and strong spiritually.

My prayer today is that we all are able to look at trials as a joyful time in which we are growing in Christ. In the difficult times we face today, we all need to be big and strong in Him.

Have a great day!