IN FACING TRIALS

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The world was shocked by the recent wildfire in Los Angeles. It is heartbreaking that countless people have been severely affected by what happened—some of them even our fellow believers. What adds “fuel to the fire” is that some Christians use these recent events to spread misinformation (like the claim that a house was spared from the fire because its owner was a Christian—when in fact, that was fake) and to make insensitive remarks (such as saying it was God’s divine judgment on those who lived there, without considering that believers were also among them). I don’t know what runs through the minds of some of us! Instead of spending more time in prayer for the people affected, some have more time to point fingers and say, “You deserve that.”

The truth that some Christians are affected by this disaster leads us to the reality that we are never excused from the hardships of life. It would be too imaginative to think that when an entire area is burning, only Christian homes would remain untouched. Just as when storms and floods hit us here, it’s impossible that only the homes of believers stay dry. We are living in a fallen world. We are affected, too!

What should we remember when we face trials? James 1:2–12 gives us some principles. At a time when the Jerusalem church was facing various problems, both external (persecution, political wars, etc.) and internal (favoritism, division, etc.), James gave truths that we too can draw strength from in our personal trials.

𝗝𝗒𝗬 π——π—˜π—¦π—£π—œπ—§π—˜ 𝗧π—₯π—œπ—”π—Ÿπ—¦

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). James wanted us to see that even in the midst of trials, we can still find joy. He was talking about the joy that is not dependent on circumstances but is grounded in our relationship with Christ. Paul said the same thing in Phil 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” This implies that finding joy is a matter of choice for Christians.

π—•π—Ÿπ—˜π—¦π—¦π—œπ—‘π—š 𝗒𝗨𝗧 𝗒𝗙 𝗧π—₯π—œπ—”π—Ÿπ—¦

James also gave the reason for this joy: “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” (vv. 3–4). Perseverance is the blessing that comes out of trials. As we are tested, our faith grows stronger! As our faith grows stronger, we become more perfect in Christ—“mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

This is also why he said the poor should “take pride in their high position” (v. 9), because as they endure trials, their standing before the Lord grows stronger. Meanwhile, the rich should “take pride in their humiliation” (v. 10), for as the Lord humbles them through challenges, their spiritual life is developed. Wealth is temporary (vv. 10–11), but the result of perseverance will never fade. Believers, whether rich or poor, can find joy in trials because their faith is strengthened. “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom 5:3–4).

π—ͺπ—œπ—¦π——π—’π—  𝗧𝗒 π—™π—”π—–π—˜ 𝗧π—₯π—œπ—”π—Ÿπ—¦

For people back then, wisdom brought order. That’s why James instructed: when facing trials, ask for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (v. 5). Believers must depend on God’s guidance in life’s challenges, for His wisdom brings order. That is why James later said that “bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts” (3:14–15) is not wisdom from God, because it does not bring peace (v. 16).

Why ask for wisdom? Because, James said, God is generous (v. 5). How to ask for wisdom? Believe and do not doubt (vv. 6–7). These remind us that we are never alone in our challenges. God is more than willing to guide His children.

π—₯π—˜π—ͺ𝗔π—₯𝗗 π—šπ—₯π—˜π—”π—§π—˜π—₯ 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗑 𝗧π—₯π—œπ—”π—Ÿπ—¦

James gave a powerful encouragement: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (v. 12). Those who persevere will soon be rewarded. The Greek term James used for “crown” is stephanos—the same term for the leafy crown given to victorious athletes and successful military leaders. It was a crown of honor for those who had achieved something. By using this term (instead of diadema, which refers to a royal golden crown), the writer wanted believers to endure their struggles as though they were in a competition or a battle, keeping the promised reward in mind! God sees all the efforts of His children. And soon, He will honor those who honor Him!

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This is a reminder that the hardships of this life are never final. Yes, we may face trials, but we are never alone, and none of our perseverance is wasted. We have Christ in the midst of our trials. “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 Jn 5:5).

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