of James was written by the brother of our Lord as a circular letter. That is, it was a letter intended to be copied and passed among the churches. Specifically, James was addressing “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations.” Most scholars believe this to be a reference to the believers who had fled Jerusalem as a result of the persecution of the church that had broken out in connection with the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1). We should not find it suprising, therefore, that James begins this letter by speaking of how the Christian is to face times of testing.
The book of James is filled with many very practical lessons for the people of God. The topic he addresses is one to which every Christian can relate. James speaks to how we, as believers, can pass victoriously through times of testing.
James shares with us five truths about testing that can not only encourage us, but enable us to let God use difficult times to make us better, instead of bitter.
1. The Reality Of Testing – v. 2
“whenever you face trials of many kinds”
James does not say, “if you face trials,” but “whenever you face trials.” In other words, times of trial are inevitable in this life.
Notice how James speaks of the fact that trials come oin various forms. He speaks of “trials of many kinds.” Trials in life may differ in size or intensity. Trials might come in the form of a temptation to sin, or the facing of persecution for our faith, or getting a flat tire on the way to work, or losing a loved one.
The point is simple. In life, we are going to face tests of various size, kind, and intensity. It is a part of life. It doesn’t matter who we are, where we are, or when we live, the fact is that life in this world is one that is filled with times of testing.
The following was published in a newspaper editorial: “The world is too big for us. Too much going on, too many crimes, too much violence and excitement. Try as you will, you get behind in the race, in spite of yourself. It’s an incessant strain to keep pace . . . and still, you lose ground.
Science empties discoveries on you so fact that you stager beneath them in hopeless bewilderment. The political world is news seen so rapidly you’re out of breath trying to keep pace with who’s in and who’s out. Everything is high pressure. Human nature can’t endure much more.”
By the way, that editorial appeared in the Boston Globe on November 13th, 1857.
“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NLT)
No person, no generation, is exempt. The Christian is not exempt any more than is the person who is not a Christian. The difference between the believer and the non-believer isn’t found in whether or not they face trials in life, but in HOW they face trials in life.
2. The Response To Testing – v. 2
When James tells us to “consider it pure joy,” he is letting us know that this is a choice we can make. When going through a time of trial, I can either face it with an attitude of faith or an attitude of fear. An attitude of fear causes us to run away. God doesn’t want us to run from trials. He wants us to face them, knowing that He has can be trusted to see us through them.
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again--rejoice! Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” – Philippians 4:4, 6 (NLT)
“No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
James tells us the same thing that Paul tells us. When facing times of trial, we need to choose to trust rather than tremble. We need to make the “choice to rejoice.” This isn’t always an easy choice to make when facing trials, but it is the right choice to make.
We need to understand that choice, not chance, determines our destiny.The way we choose to respond to test and trials in life will determine the quality of our lives. None of us is responsible for all the things that happen to us, but we are responsible for the how we face them. As Christians who have hope in Christ, we need to see times of testing as opportunities to trust God and prove Him to be faithful to His Word.
3. The Reason For Testing – v. 3 - “the testing of your faith”
The Scripture tells us that God allows His children to experience testing in life for the purpose of revealing the sincerity of our faith.
“Don’t forget how the LORD your God has led you through the desert for the past forty years. He wanted to find out if you were truly willing to obey him and depend on him.” – Deuteronomy 8:2 (CEV)
God allows us to pass through times of testing so that the genuineness of our faith might be revealed. Trials reveal what faith we have, not because God doesn’t know (He is omniscient, knowing all), but to make our faith evident to ourselves - and those around us. It is easy to talk about our faith in God when things are easy, but our faith is really shown in the midst of trial.
An athlete might do well conducting drills in practice. But it is only when he or she is on the playing field that the quality of their athletic discipline is revealed. Trials in life are like the playing field of our faith. We might seem to be people of faith when we are among believers in our Sunday school class, but the depth of our faith is only truly revealed when we “get in the game” and have to trust God and remain faithful to Him when things are not so easy. Trials force us to move from talking about faith to walking by faith.
“Simon, Simon (Peter), listen! Satan has asked excessively that [all of] you be given up to him [out of the power and keeping of God], that he might sift [all of] you like grain, But I have prayed especially for you [Peter], that your [own] faith may not fail; and when you yourself have turned again, strengthen and establish your brethren.”
– Luke 22:31-32 (Amplified)
Peter was forced through the trial of our Lord’s crucifixion, to face up to how much of his faith was just talk. In other words, he learned much about the insincerity of his own faith, about how much of it was just talk. He also learned, however, more about the genuineness of THE faith, too, as he learned that God does forgive and He does restore, and that through His power, His children really can be made better, not bitter through trials. Consequently, the Lord used the trial he went through to convince others concerning the faithfulness of the Lord and see their faith strengthened.
When facing trials and difficulties, the common question we ask is “Why?” Instead, we should ask, “What?” What does God want to show me? “How?” How can I honor God in this time of trial? And “Who?” Who might God want to bless through my trusting Him and proving Him faithful?
4. The Result Of Testing – v. 2 – “develops perseverance”
In some translations, the word translated “perseverance” here in the NIV is translated “patience.” This is somewhat misleading. The word used by James here is hupomone, which doesn’t refer to passively waiting for things to change, but an active endurance, such as the quality needed to endure through a long race.
Hupomone comes from hupo (under) and meno (to stay, abide, remain); it has the picture of being under a heavy load and resolutely staying there instead of trying to escape. It speaks of our resolutely trusting God to work out His purposes through whatever life brings our way. It speaks of a trust in God which understands that He is working in our lives to accomplish purposes that often transcend our ability to understand or comprehend. In fact, often, when we find ourselves in the midst of trial, we do not understand what God is doing. That’s why remaining true to the Lord in difficult times requires faith. But the Bible makes it clear that if we remain true to the Lord no matter what, our perseverance will pay off.
“As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
– James 4:11 (NIV)
It has been pointed out that while we often are primarily concerned about our comfort, God is primarily concerned about our character. While there are many blessings awaiting the child of God who perseveres by remaining true to God during times of trial and testing, chief among them is the blessing of becoming more like Jesus.
Winston Churchill once delivered an unforgettable address at a university commencement service. Upon being introduced, he stood up and said, “Never give up. Never give up. Never, never, never!” Then he sat down.
James is basically delivering the same address to us. As believers in Christ, we should never give up on trusting our lives over to Him. Through trusting God in times of trial, we will eventually know His blessings, because He is true to His Word and because it always pays to live for God.
5. The Reward Of Testing – v. 4
The reward that comes through our remaining faithful to God in times of testing is that we God is satisfied with our life and we are satisfied with the life of God. That is our goal and reward in this life as believers, to reach the point of satisfaction and contentedness with the life God has for us. To find fulfillment in Him.
When we find our satisfaction in Him, He is satisfied with us. The reward of testing is the contented Christian life.
Have you ever noticed that complaining is something that comes naturally? We don’t need to teach folks how to complain. In Philippians 4:11, Paul said, “I have learned . . . to be content.” That is to say, there was a time when he was not content. How did he learn contentedness? Through learning to trust God in both times of prosperity and adversity (Philippians 4:12-13).
Conclusion:
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” – Psalm 23 (KJV)
I find it interesting that David speaks of goodness and mercy “following” him ALL the days of his life. In other words, as he comes to the end of his life and looks back upon it, he sees that God’s goodness and mercy have always been there, even though he wasn’t able at times to see them. That is often how it is with us. It is only after we have passed through things that we recognize God’s goodness and mercy. Rest assured, even if you cannot recognize it now, God is working mercifully in your life to bring His greatest goodness to you – even in times of testing.
