Last week we began a discussion from the early part of James 1, concerning how trials can lead to triumph. In that lesson we emphasized that we begin by counting those trials as joy. The way we view trials can be transformed looking to the outcome, and what it can produce in us. Our lesson today gets more into why this is possible. James says, “For you know…” (v. 3).
This is an example of a situation of where the English word “for” can be translated “because.” (Unlike where some would like to translate it with the word “because” – see Acts 2:38 and compare Mt. 26:28).
In order to have the joy in trials that James tells us to have, there is something we must “know.” Another definition for the word know, that may be helpful, is the word “understand.” You see, we can know something without really understanding it, or without really taking it to heart and digesting it. This is a crucial point in us being able to find peace and joy in our trials.
When trials come our way, they are a test. The ASV speaks of the “proving of your faith.” You might look at it this way: Trials test our faith, and our faith proves itself by our ability to see beyond the temporal difficulty, and see what God is able to produce that’s weight is far heavier, far out of balance with the trial itself (see also Rom. 8:18). There is no comparison between the weight of the trial and the good that can come from it. This is exactly what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. He writes there: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” Please understand that when Paul spoke of “light momentary affliction,” in his mind undoubtedly were things that most of us have never even been through! But in comparison to the benefit, they were so little. We aren’t suggesting that our struggles are trivial. But we are suggesting that there is real help and encouragement in “knowing” and “understanding” things from a spiritual point of view. And Paul didn’t say, “I know.” He said, “we know.” Of course, in the context, this referred to the dispersed Christians he wrote to, as well as himself. But the concept is true concerning all Christians.
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Specifically, what James would have us know is that these trials, these tests that come our way, they can produce a very important virtue. It is the virtue of “steadfastness.” The KJV and the ASV use the word “patience” but that probably doesn’t bring to our minds the concept intended here. As I like to say, “Bible patience is not the idea of being content to only have to wait in a line behind three people at Walmart.” The concept is one of real endurance and perseverance. It is about finishing and finishing strong. How weak we would be without difficulties. Strength comes through resistance. With the help of God, trials can bring out of us more than we thought was in us. Paul says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens him” (Phil. 4:13). Paul knew and Paul understood the role of trials. They produce perseverance.
The joy of the Christian life, even in the context of trials, is rooted in spiritual “knowing” and “understanding.” The joy comes by “faith and not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Let’s read, study, and mediate on the holy Scriptures, and we will come through our trials with a greater endurance on the other side!
Daren Schroeder
