“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
These verses were quoted on a Christy Wright podcast I listened to last week. It got me thinking and caused me to revisit some notes that my friend Meredith and I exchanged four years ago while reading a book by Lysa TerKeurst titled, “What Happens When Women Walk in Faith.”
This book was a game-changer for my faith and in how I started to view trials, suffering, and difficulties of all kinds. In this devotional we studied Romans 5:3-5 which says:
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
It’s interesting to me that the verses in James mention allowing perseverance to “finish its work.” According to the set of verses in Romans, perseverance builds character and character leads to hope.
These verses in Romans used to cause me fear. Today, I’m grateful for the way they’ve proven themselves true.
My faith has strengthened because of the trials I’ve overcome. When I face trials and troubles today, my hope is holds as my anchor; it provides me something to hold on to.
Our country is facing trials of many kinds. On top of the trials we’re facing as a nation, you may also be enduring personal trials. Keep enduring. I know it’s tough; it’s really, really hard—but, stay the course and He will provide evidence of the truth of His word. Your character will strengthen; your hope will shine.
In regard to the verses in James, my Life Application Study Bible (NIV) provides the following encouragement:
“James doesn’t say if you face trials, but whenever you face trials. He assumes that we will have trials and that it is possible to profit from them. The point is not to be pretend to be happy when we face pain, but to have a positive outlook (“consider it pure joy”) because of what trials can produce in our lives.”
I no longer fear the trials. Lysa TerKeurst’s book walked me through every trial of my life thus far; it helped me to see how Jesus showed up each and every time.
One day last summer, for example, I found myself outside on our glider, in tears, yelling in anguish, anger, and confusion at God—no joke—“In the Middle of the Mess” by Sheila Walsh had taught me it was okay and even healthy to do this. I was crying, sobbing, because of the state my family was in. Not 24 hours later, God reminded me of the way He works things together for my good (Romans 8:28). After months of waiting, I finally received word that I’d been accepted into the U.S. Navy. On that day, of all days. And today, just over a year later, my family is in a healthy place.
That’s just one example.
This very morning, another occurred.
I had a Stephanie Ackerman-type photo opp during the worst run of my life. If you haven’t seen it, check out Stephanie’s Instagram page; she’s always finding hearts in nature! I always wonder how she finds them and then today, when I needed it, one showed up and made me smile.
This morning, my shins were already aching when I woke up, but I set out to run six miles knowing they’d have plenty of time to rest in the upcoming days. The pain became excruciating as soon as my feet start striking the pavement. I slowed to a walk several times to stretch within just the first mile. I’d then jog—slowly. This picture was taken in the middle of my second mile. I felt discouraged. I just wanted to do this. I wanted to get this done, promising my legs, body, and mind that I’d then ice and rest for several days.
I slowed to a walk, yet again, with my head downcast, and this heart appeared in my path. And like I said, I smiled. It was The Lord’s provision; I believe it was Him encouraging me right where I was.
I realized then that despite “running” super slowly and slowing down to even a walk, very frequently, I wasn’t stopping. I hadn’t quit yet and I wasn’t going to now. I realized that it’s okay to slow, to stop and take inventory, to rest, and that doing so was not the same as quitting.
We kept going, Tate and me. And no joke, by midway through our fourth mile, I noticed the pain had vanished. My legs were doing what they were supposed to do and were moving at the pace of an actual run!
Do you know what happened there? I let perseverance finish its work. By continuing on, character was built, specifically within the traits of discipline, diligence, and following through on doing the things I say I’m going to do. And you know what character yields? Hope. Next time I’m in that place of pain, I’ll be able to keep moving through it just like I did today because I’ll know that I can. Because of today’s experience, I’ll be able to face the pain of many tomorrows—with hope. And not because of me and my mindset and my choice to run, but because I stopped making it about me and the pain I was in; I acknowledged His presence. I don’t run alone, not in pain nor in lighthearted ease; I run with Tate by my side and with my God too.
In pondering these experience and many others, as well as what each led to, my faith increases again. In remembering these experiences, I’m reminded of the confidant I have in Him and therefore my hope is renewed; I know that with each trial faced, despite how excruciating the pain, my strength will grow and the roots of my faith will deepen—just as they always have.
Lord, remind us amidst our troubles that you are near—that you are close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). While feeling the pain, remind us of the hope to come. Provide us, God, with the courage we need to look at our situation with a positive frame of mind; it does take courage. Remind us of what has come from the troubles of our past—the ways we’ve grown and the ways our lives have been changed. God, remind us of the glory we bring to Your Name when we tighten our armor (Ephesians 6:10-17) and overcome with You.