Biblical Talks

This is a spotlight on the Scripture; James 1:2-3 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 

When James says, count it all joy The Greek word for "count" can also mean "consider" or "evaluate." Normally, people don't feel happy about facing difficult times, so believers need to intentionally choose to face them with joy. People often wonder if Christians should feel deep joy in all life's challenges and pressures. Honestly, the answer is no—that's not what James is saying here. Pretending to accept God's will when you're troubled, but still feeling sad and upset, isn't true reconciliation. True acceptance means you can find joy.

James also clarifies that God doesn't give us trouble just for the sake of it; there's a purpose behind it. 

For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. God has a purpose for everything. James is talking about how you should feel about your troubles. The Greek tense used here means that joy comes from going through trials. Hebrews 12 tells us that one way God helps believers grow is through "child training," or discipline. Trials, suffering, and testing seem pointless unless there is a good reason for them, and God says there is a good reason. Romans 8:28 assures us that everything works together for good for those who love God.

When we face hardships and suffering, we should have faith that God has allowed them for a reason and that He has a high purpose in mind. We may not always understand His reasons, but that is where faith comes in—we trust God even when we can't see the bigger picture. A saying from the Middle Ages captures this idea: "God does nothing, nor allows anything to happen, that we wouldn't choose ourselves if we could see the whole picture as He does."

James explains that testing proves genuine faith. Here’s an example: In an airplane plant, a new plane is designed, built, and tested to ensure it can fly and perform well. Likewise, gold is tested with fire and acid to prove that it is real gold. God tests our faith to prove it's real. Someone said, "The corroding of grief tests the coin of belief," and there's a lot of truth in that.

God tests our faith to produce patience in our lives, as James 1:3 says, "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." This is a spotlight on the Scripture