Trials don’t come our way with advance notice like, “Okay, I’m coming next week, so get ready.” They show up unexpectedly when we are least ready for them – like an unwanted and uninvited guest.
According to James 1:1-4, we are to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of various kinds, because we know that the testing of our faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:12 goes on to say, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him.
So then, trials are meant to strengthen our character and to test our faith in order to develop perseverance, and when we have stood the test, we will receive the crown of life. Therefore, we should consider it joy.
I had to wrestle with these verses in Scripture recently when our daughter, Rene’, was told by her oncologist that the chemo, though effective, was causing too many side effects. Therefore, she had to quit and was to come back in three months to see if the cancer was back. However, her cancer was back within two months. She is to resume chemo this week. I did not feel joy at this news. Our daughter and our entire family were under a severe trial. How are we going to respond? How do we consider it joy to be under such a trial?
After Rene’ told us that her cancer had spread, I cried many tears for what I knew she was facing. Our daughter was on the battlefield once again. Alone. We could only stand on the sideline and pray. “Heavenly Father, You know what it is to grieve. Your only begotten Son was crushed under the weight of the sin of the world as He hung on a cross. You had to turn away as He bore our sins upon Himself. Alone. Rejected and despised by man. But there was purpose for Jesus to suffer and die. He took our punishment so we would be set free from the condemnation that we deserve.”
Before I could whisper another word, it was as though He spoke to my heart. “There is purpose here. Just trust Me.”
And then, it was as though the Son of Man is walking beside her. He steadies her step. He puts His arm around her, and she leans into Him. He points to the other side of the valley, and they smile. She is not alone! The King of kings is by her side.
I felt an immense sadness and heaviness lift. And peace began to trickle into my heart. I’m learning that if I take my eyes off the Lord, or if I project my thoughts into the future, I become anxious, worrisome, fearful, sad. But, if I trust Jesus for the day at hand, I can feel joy. Yes, joy under trial.
Rene’ said, “We have today. Let’s find joy in it.”
Yes, we have today. And I am reminded, He has a purpose.