The culture we live in today doesn't always celebrate sticking with something. Many times we are told "if it's hard it's probably not for you. When it gets uncomfortable and stops being fun that's your cue to move on to something else." Even though there are so many examples where perseverance has great reward, our culture encourages us to have our immediate comfort and pleasure as the guiding principle. When it gets hard you stop.
So reading this verse, in our context can seem a little weird right? James is saying that we should consider it pure joy when we go through difficult seasons because it is good for us. What? How? Who likes to suffer? Who among us, if given the choice to have it easy or to experience difficulties would choose difficulties? None, but the truth is something gets activated when we do. Our faith gets stronger when it is tested. It's like working out. You don't get stronger and see results from sitting at home watching television. You also don't get stronger going to the gym and not putting in the effort. Your muscles get stronger under tension. It hurts, but it's a good hurt.
Same with our faith. I don't think James is in any way encouraging us to be all smiles all the time as if it doesn't hurt. There are seasons in all our lives where we will experience pain and loss. That's real. But he is saying to look beyond the momentary nature of the pain that we are feeling and see Jesus. That yes, it hurts right now, but our faith in Jesus, our reliance on Jesus, our hope in Jesus gets stronger the more we go through difficulties. Why? I think in those moments we are in a better position to see and experience his goodness, faithfulness and love for us in deeper more meaningful ways. Think back on a time when you went through something so very difficult and you got to the very end of yourself. You didn't think you would make it but God got you through. That's the kind of revelation that only come through difficulty. It hurts, but it's a good hurt.
by Kalesha Peters
