Week of July 18
Life’s Testing Times
Read: Isaiah 29-31; James 1
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. . .”
James 1:2, ESV
Introduction
It has been said, “Trials come to prove and improve us.” They are for our ultimate benefit. God does not permit trials to be like some bottomless ocean into which Christians sink, never to surface again. Our Pathway Devotional for July 15 touched upon the relationship of faith and trials and suffering. May I ask you to consider something? I hope that I have earned your trust! Christ knows what you need, so trust Him. Let’s examine today the nature and purpose of trials.
Let's See What the Bible Says
Did you notice the one-verse salutation that covers the introduction of the Letter of James? It states that he is a “servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1). There were two men by the name of James that are mentioned in the New Testament. One was the brother of John, but he was martyred in A.D. 44 (Acts 12:1-2; HNTC). This letter was likely penned by James the half-brother of Jesus who also became the head of the Jerusalem church.
It is incredible for me to think of what trial of faith he must have encountered to come to make the statement that he was a servant of Jesus Christ (see John 7:5; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 2:9)! Jesus had been placed in the position of Lordship over every facet of his life! That is incredible. Notice, as well, that the letter was penned to the tribes in the Dispersion. This refers to the scattering of Jewish Christians among the nations. They resettled in areas outside of Palestine. Persecution, itself a great trial, had driven some from their homeland (Acts 8:1). James perhaps has given us some testimonial background to the verse that we will bring into focus today.
First, James writes that we should reckon it pure joy when we encounter various trials. We, in other words, should add up the integers and conclude that God’s purposes are being fulfilled in our lives. We may not be happy with the travail, but He will certainly help us to see what He is birthing in our lives. Our pursuit of the Christ-life will, at times, mean our witness radiates more brightly through trials (cf. the Cross), and they also open the window for us to view the end-times glory in which we will share. So, in Ashlock-speak, we should search for the doorway to joy in the moment and not crawl out of an open window seeking a happy escape. God will certainly “reverse” the circumstances in that day (Malachi 3:17-18, NAC). Let’s narrow our view even more.
Secondly, James uses a word for trial that may mean “temptation” in some contexts, but here it refers to “testing” that proves to us the genuine nature of our faith. Look, God already knows that you are truly His children, and that you will persevere in the trial, but we sometimes fail to see His trust in us when we undergo such hardship. Trials are for cross-bearing (Matthew 10:38; 16:24) and witness through persecution (Matthew 5:10; 1 Peter 3:14). Bring to mind my earlier comment about the Jews of the dispersion. These believers who had been dispersed/scattered around the globe knew the seriousness of James’s message to them. They lived his words on a regular basis as did many Christians around the world then, and as many still do today (cf. Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19; 1 Peter 1:1). These believers had become joyful “exemplars” of faith as they accepted the tests of opposition to their faith. Jesus plainly states that the world will hate His true disciples (John 15:18; cf. Matthew 10:22; 24:9; NAC). Since Jesus was tested, we also will encounter testings (Hebrews 2:10).
Thirdly, trials also may be evident in doubts, discouragement, and distress. This brings life into a full view, doesn’t it?! We may see that value in the internal tests as well as the external trials that I mentioned previously. Regardless, our pathway will lead us into many situations from which only Christ can deliver us, so walk into and through the trials in the strength that He provides. There will be other sincere believers who understand that Christian disciples quite often swim against the cultural currents. Expect it, but also never fail to expect, as well, Christ’s empowerment and His ultimate return.
It is incredible for me to think of what trial of faith he must have encountered to come to make the statement that he was a servant of Jesus Christ (see John 7:5; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 2:9)! Jesus had been placed in the position of Lordship over every facet of his life! That is incredible. Notice, as well, that the letter was penned to the tribes in the Dispersion. This refers to the scattering of Jewish Christians among the nations. They resettled in areas outside of Palestine. Persecution, itself a great trial, had driven some from their homeland (Acts 8:1). James perhaps has given us some testimonial background to the verse that we will bring into focus today.
First, James writes that we should reckon it pure joy when we encounter various trials. We, in other words, should add up the integers and conclude that God’s purposes are being fulfilled in our lives. We may not be happy with the travail, but He will certainly help us to see what He is birthing in our lives. Our pursuit of the Christ-life will, at times, mean our witness radiates more brightly through trials (cf. the Cross), and they also open the window for us to view the end-times glory in which we will share. So, in Ashlock-speak, we should search for the doorway to joy in the moment and not crawl out of an open window seeking a happy escape. God will certainly “reverse” the circumstances in that day (Malachi 3:17-18, NAC). Let’s narrow our view even more.
Secondly, James uses a word for trial that may mean “temptation” in some contexts, but here it refers to “testing” that proves to us the genuine nature of our faith. Look, God already knows that you are truly His children, and that you will persevere in the trial, but we sometimes fail to see His trust in us when we undergo such hardship. Trials are for cross-bearing (Matthew 10:38; 16:24) and witness through persecution (Matthew 5:10; 1 Peter 3:14). Bring to mind my earlier comment about the Jews of the dispersion. These believers who had been dispersed/scattered around the globe knew the seriousness of James’s message to them. They lived his words on a regular basis as did many Christians around the world then, and as many still do today (cf. Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19; 1 Peter 1:1). These believers had become joyful “exemplars” of faith as they accepted the tests of opposition to their faith. Jesus plainly states that the world will hate His true disciples (John 15:18; cf. Matthew 10:22; 24:9; NAC). Since Jesus was tested, we also will encounter testings (Hebrews 2:10).
Thirdly, trials also may be evident in doubts, discouragement, and distress. This brings life into a full view, doesn’t it?! We may see that value in the internal tests as well as the external trials that I mentioned previously. Regardless, our pathway will lead us into many situations from which only Christ can deliver us, so walk into and through the trials in the strength that He provides. There will be other sincere believers who understand that Christian disciples quite often swim against the cultural currents. Expect it, but also never fail to expect, as well, Christ’s empowerment and His ultimate return.
Let's Deepen Our Walk
I found several hanging bags in my closet. They had wedding tuxedos in them that I have used through the years. I spent a few minutes trying them on, and I recalled various weddings that I conducted at the time that I wore those tuxes. I then did what pastors often do! I began to recall some of the broader circumstances of ministry during the period represented in each of those suits. It did not take long to remember some trials that I encountered. Some were real “doozies.” As I carefully returned the tuxedos to their hangers and placed them inside their protective bags, I could not help but think that God had enfolded my life and brought me safely through many trials to this period in time! I thanked Him for the growth that I have experienced through it all.
Let’s ponder the significance of life’s testing times for our spiritual growth. First, we will not become fully developed disciples without testing times in our lives. Christ is our trusted guide, so do not fear the choppy waters that trials will bring into your life (Matthew 14:22-32). Secondly, we should not pursue the trial, nor should we try to avoid them. I certainly do not wake up of a morning and say, “I have packed my laptop and lunch, so let me make sure that I also include a serious trial, or my day will be incomplete!” Thirdly, we should look to the result, endurance, when we face trials. God is shaping us so we, like James, should place our lives under His Lordship.
Let’s ponder the significance of life’s testing times for our spiritual growth. First, we will not become fully developed disciples without testing times in our lives. Christ is our trusted guide, so do not fear the choppy waters that trials will bring into your life (Matthew 14:22-32). Secondly, we should not pursue the trial, nor should we try to avoid them. I certainly do not wake up of a morning and say, “I have packed my laptop and lunch, so let me make sure that I also include a serious trial, or my day will be incomplete!” Thirdly, we should look to the result, endurance, when we face trials. God is shaping us so we, like James, should place our lives under His Lordship.
Let's Think and Discuss
1. Take a moment and bring recent events to mind. In what ways has the passage today become a lens through which you may view trials that you have faced? You may have been harassed at work or school. Perhaps your company was sold, and you lost your position. Maybe you were passed over for a promotion. How may God be using the trial(s) in your life to fulfill His larger purpose to conform you into the image of Christ? Ask God to grant you strength and endurance in the trial.
2. For families: Your children might enjoy a conversation around the dinner table about your extended family heritage—great-grands and grandparents, uncles and aunts of previous generations. Recall stories of your children’s ancestors, and include both funny tales and their times of trials. How did they react to them? Were they believers? Help your children to prepare for difficult periods ahead when life will be hard for them. Explain the devotional above, and encourage them to make a plan for these events when/if they come. Three steps will help, as Paul reminds us. Continue to be joyful. Endure them, knowing that God trusts us to lean on His strength. Finally, ask God what can be learned from the trial. God will help our families to flourish, inside and out, even during hardships.
May all your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock
2. For families: Your children might enjoy a conversation around the dinner table about your extended family heritage—great-grands and grandparents, uncles and aunts of previous generations. Recall stories of your children’s ancestors, and include both funny tales and their times of trials. How did they react to them? Were they believers? Help your children to prepare for difficult periods ahead when life will be hard for them. Explain the devotional above, and encourage them to make a plan for these events when/if they come. Three steps will help, as Paul reminds us. Continue to be joyful. Endure them, knowing that God trusts us to lean on His strength. Finally, ask God what can be learned from the trial. God will help our families to flourish, inside and out, even during hardships.
May all your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock
Posted in Pathway Devotionals