I CAN STILL REMEMBER THOSE EARLY DAYS of weight training when I was a teenager. I would be so sore afterwards, especially during times when I increased the amount of weight I was lifting. The reason my muscles hurt after those sessions was because the muscle fibers had experienced microscopic trauma and my body was working hard to repair and rebuild them to be stronger than before. The pain wasn’t actually from the tiny tears; rather it was a side effect of the muscle strengthening process.
Life is a lot like that. You and I will have seasons in this exile that are truly painful. Trials, suffering, burdens, heartbreak – they can all wear us down and tear us apart. When we go through these experiences it feels like God has added some weight to the bar of life. At times we don’t feel like we can go on, that we don’t have the strength to make it through. Yet, somehow, we do make it through and almost always we can look back and see how the Lord grew us through those grueling days.
In the first chapter of his letter, James writes that the Christian pilgrim ought to view adversity in this life differently than those who do not know God. He writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2). James says “exceeding joy” or “abundant delight” should be our disposition toward life’s difficulties. I know it sounds crazy. You’re wondering, “was James a masochist?” No, he wasn’t interested in experiencing pain for pain’s sake; rather, he had confidence in two things: 1) God is in control of every aspect of our lives, and 2) God is using every experience in our lives, even our trials, to mold us more into the image of Christ.
You and I work out to grow our physical strength and endurance. Our Heavenly Father sends us into the training of trials to produce spiritual and emotional strength and endurance – “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” (James 1:3-4). The word “testing” in this passage is connected to the refining process that gold and silver go through to create a purer metal. Likewise, the Christian’s sufferings are a crucible that refines away the impurities of our sin and weakness, making us more completely like our Savior. Peter wrote something similar: “you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). Adversity leads to adoration; our problems and pain become our praise.
Many of you are in the midst of some difficulty right now – a wayward child, financial struggle, relational conflict, sickness, the loss of someone you love. I know these words may not be easy to receive if you are experiencing much pain and sorrow. However, I know the Lord loves you and is trustworthy. Continually turn to him in this fire. And, though it is difficult, keep your eyes set on things beyond this world, “for this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
PRAYER
Father, life can be hard at times. I need your help to view my struggles through the lens of your sovereignty and love. May you grant me the faith to have joy through my trials because I really do believe you’re doing something through them, even when I can’t see it. For your glory, may you use my adversity to declare your grace, power, and love to the world. Amen.
PONDER
- How has God proven himself faithful through the trials you have faced?
- Looking back at your more recent trials, in what ways was Christian maturity produced in you in greater degrees?
- Do you have any friends who are experiencing hardship right now? Pray James 1:2-4 over them.