Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  — James 1:2-4 (NIV)

Watching the family interact, I couldn’t help but chuckle. A little girl had just dropped her newly purchased ice-cream cone. When she burst into tears, her father pointed out that she could now learn a valuable life lesson. “But I don’t want a life lesson,” she wailed, “I just want my ice-cream cone!” After a moment of hesitation, the father graciously changed his mind and gave her his ice-cream cone. 

The father’s mention of life lesson called to mind this Scripture:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)

James definitely ties trials with spiritual growth. To be mature and complete means to be like Jesus. So as a young Christian who wanted to grow quickly, I often prayed, “Put me through the fire, Lord!” My younger, idealistic self had no idea how painful such trials could be. In my more seasoned years, I have become more cautious in my prayers. But whether we pray for them or not, the trials of life will come.

When they do, I can respond like that little girl ~ I just want to skip the hard part and get to the ice-cream. It used to frustrate me when I didn’t have the right attitude right away. But my frustration came from a misunderstanding of this passage.

Wanting to wish away the challenging trials in our lives is normal, and human. Joy is rarely, if ever, our first reaction. This is why James encourages us to consider it a joy. To consider means to give serious or careful thought to something. This takes time.

I also don’t believe we’re meant to gloss over the pain, as if it doesn’t exist, or is somehow not important. God has purpose, even in our pain. Among other things, it leads us to compassion for others ~ and allows us to comfort them in their trials (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

So rather than chastising myself for not immediately having the right attitude, I’m learning how to grow the right mindset. I’ve learned the human heart has the amazing ability to hold both pain and joy at the same time. During a trial, I can acknowledge the pain and turn to God and others for support. At the same time, I can hold on to God’s promise to bring spiritual maturity through it. His promise leads me to a joyful anticipation of becoming more like Jesus. It sometimes takes years to fully understand how I’ve grown from a certain trial. But the realization always brings joy. 

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise that the trials we experience in this life will lead us to become more like You. Help us to hold on to this promise as we face the many challenges in our lives. In all things we pray to become like You. We ask this in Your name. Amen.