Saturday in the Word | Trials Produce Steadfastness

The various difficulties we experience in our lives lead to spiritual growth and maturity. In his profound letter, James starts of encouraging believers to remain positive during the challenges they face because these challenges produce steadfastness.

The book of James was penned by Jesus’ half-brother, James, who had become the lead pastor of the church in Jerusalem. It was most likely written before the Jerusalem Council, since James makes no mention of it in his book. Bible scholars believe it is, along with Galatians and 1 Thessalonians, one of the earliest New Testament writings.

² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 

James 1:2–3, ESV

Count It All Joy

Really!?! All? Clearly, this requires divine assistance and wisdom. God is the source of this wisdom and He stands ready to help us through readily providing it when we need it. Doubt—the opposite of faith—-causes us to question whether God is good and generous. We must, if we are to receive His blessings, work through any doubt we have of His goodness, knowing that He loves us and is willing to shower us with His favor in the midst of trouble. We cannot, then, be joyful if we are doubtful of God’s ability and love for us. No, to count it all joy, we must believe that whatever we are going through ultimately is for our benefit and God’s glory. We can trust in the Lord.

When You Meet Trials

Why do Christians encounter trials? I thought the Jesus life was easy. Wrong! Following Jesus is anything but easy. And following Jesus isn’t like collecting a get-out-of-jail-free card in Monopoly. Not in the least. Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from the troubles of this life. However, our troubles can produce good things in us and through us, if we are willing.

The Testing of Your Faith

When we are going through them it’s hard to imagine that our trials will produce anything good. But, when you and I are confident in the Lord, we are able to see beyond our present difficulties and recognize the opportunity we have to become more like Jesus. That’s a beautiful thing!

What Exactly is Steadfastness?

Steadfastness is the quality of being firm, unwavering, and loyal in our purpose or beliefs. When we are steadfast, we endure patiently. A person who is steadfast is someone who is reliable, faithful, and true to the very end.

We don’t stand on our own power and strength to remain steadfast, but rather, we stand on the power and strength of God Almighty. That’s GOOD NEWS!

Believer, you and I can take comfort in knowing that whatever troubles we may encounter in this life can produce good fruit and grow us spiritually through strengthening our faith as we remain steadfast in the confidence we have in the Lord.

What an encouraging word from James, the brother of Jesus and pastor of the Early Church in Jerusalem!

Believer, our faith is something we have to fight for every day. It doesn’t just fly on autopilot. We fight by being intentional about investing time with God, His Word, and His people.

Thanks for reading my post. Please feel free to share your thoughts and insights in the comments.

Be salty, stay lit.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

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References:

Steadfastness. (2003). In C. Brand, C. Draper, A. England, S. Bond, E. R. Clendenen, & T. C. Butler (Eds.), Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary (p. 1533). Holman Bible Publishers.