Our bodies are designed in such a way that we do not want pain, hardship, or suffering. When we experience pains and hardship in our lives we react in such a way as to eliminate them. Even though trials and tribulations are a form of suffering and hardship, James encourages believers to be joyful when they experience them (James 1:2). Trials in a believer’s life may come in different forms like hardship a person may experience within his family, at work, or in society. It may come as people opposes you because of your belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. These kinds of hardship are different from a person being punished for sinning or doing something that is morally wrong. When you are punished for sinning or doing something that is morally wrong, you should be ashamed.
The trials, hardships, persecutions that you experience as a result of your faith and principles in following the Lord Jesus Christ have positive benefits. These produce steadfastness which makes you persistent, dedicated, committed. Such a person becomes strong and able to confront other forms of hardship and resistance. In this way, you will be able to stand the test of time and not give up or give in to difficult circumstances, so you will be complete. That is why you need to be Joyful when you experience such kind of trials and hardship in life. Such hardship builds strong character in you so that you can withstand even bigger challenges.
The Bible in James 1:2-4 ESV (2) says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, (3) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (4) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
*Build strong character in you*.
From Simtandile Dlepuma. Stay blessed.