Often I have wondered the “why” of pain, trials,
difficulties, etc. Over the past few months, I have often thought that I know
it is necessary and beneficial for me to go through these difficulties,
hardships, etc. I have known that the Bible talks about them being good for us
and how the Lord uses them. However, recently, He has revealed this to me in a
much deeper way as I've been studying through the book of James.
In James 1, he says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when
you meet trials of various kinds…”
The word “meet” literally means “ in the midst of.” Therefore,
this verse could read, “Count it ALL joy when you are in the middle of various
trials.” Yes, he says ALL joy. That means there is no room for any kind of
bitterness, complaining, etc. in the middle of various trials.
How is this possible? How is it possible to go through some
of the hardest difficulties with an undaunted, unmoved joy and cheerfulness? The next verse explains it.
“For you know that the testing of your faith produces
steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be
perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
The word for steadfastness or patience in some translations
means “to be of a long spirit; to not lose heart; to persevere patiently and
bravely in enduring misfortunes and troubles.”
Webster’s 1828 defines it as this: “Having the quality of enduring evils without
murmuring or fretfulness; sustaining afflictions of body or mind with
fortitude, calmness or Christian submission to the divine will; Not easily
provoked; calm under the sufferance of injuries or offenses; not revengeful;
Persevering; constant in pursuit or exertion; calmly diligent; Not hasty; not
over eager or impetuous; waiting or expecting with calmness or without
discontent”
Therefore, trials in our lives produce an unmovable,
unconquerable, brave courage within our souls. This courage and endurance leads
to maturity in Christ.
In the fifth chapter of James, this concept is explained in
even more depth. James is referring to rich men and states, “You have lived on
the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a
day of slaughter.”
The phrase “lived in luxury” or “lived in pleasure” means to
live a soft, effeminate life. It comes from a root word meaning “to enfeeble.”
So what does this imply? If we shy away from hardships or
difficulties, we are actually just enfeebling ourselves. God wants to use trials
and hardships to build us strong so that we can be poured out for His Kingdom. If we live in self-indulgence and for our own selfish pleasures, we are ultimately setting ourselves up for death.
Luke 8:15 speaks on how people who receive the Word in good
soil produce fruit with patience (the same word I defined a few paragraphs
ago). Physical growth brings pain. Many people go through growth pains (I’m 5’1”,
so I never had them haha). They endure them because they know it’s worth it. We
go through growth pains spiritually too. However, these are continual. In order
to grow and mature in Christ, pain is necessary. Jesus will use it to grow us
closer to Him and mature us spiritually. We must not shy away from pain or
difficulty but embrace it, knowing the joy and life that is to be found on the
other side.
