God never promised an easy life for Christians. The path toward which God directs Christians is narrow and difficult (cf. Matthew 7:13-14). He has not been silent, nor unclear about the subject of hardships in the life of a disciple. Following Christ demands self-denial, and sacrifice (cf. Matthew 16:24-27; Romans 12:1). Along the way there will be temptations, but God will strengthen us and make a way of escape that we may be able to bear the temptation (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:13). The concern is not whether we will undergo trials; we inevitably will. Rather, we need to concern ourselves with how we will handle such trials. God has not neglected us the tactics needed to overcome various trials. The scripture is laced with encouragement, and instruction for the problem of trials, tribulation, and temptations. In James’ epistle to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” (1:1) he reveals a few ways we should react when confronted with trials.

Count It All Joy

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (1:2-3). Patience is needed to get to heaven. “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:36). Our trials are not few, but many. For this reason we need the strength to bear them. When our faith is tested there is equal opportunity to fail the test, or pass. Counting it joy allows us to see the potential good that will come out of the trial if we only endure.

We can be joyous during such testing occasions for the object of our faith is not a product of speculation. Jesus is one whom eyewitnesses experienced (cf. 1 John 1:1-4). They have given testimony of His existence, and the works He performed on earth. Not only that, but God also bears witness with signs, wonders, and miracles recorded in the scripture (cf. Hebrews 2:4). We can rejoice even when “grieved by various trials” because even though we “do not see [Jesus], yet believing, [we] rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of [our] faith – the salvation of [our] souls” (1 Peter 1:6, 8-9). Count it joy when you fall into trials for they produce “perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

Thank God

Inconsistent gratitude toward God is a contributing factor to many failures in trials. God is involved in the testing of our faith, but we must understand His part. “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (1:13). It is inappropriate to blame God for the troubles we have to endure. On the contrary, we should thank God. For “blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (1:12). By allowing us to experience trials, God presents us an opportunity to please Him!

We must not allow the Devil to deceive us with trials, for everything good comes from God (cf. 1:16-17). Instead of becoming antagonistic toward God, we must recognize Him as the One who loved us, and “of His own will…brought us forth by the word of truth” (1:18). He deserves thankful servants, and by being thankful for Him and His provision, we can endure the trials of life!

Receive And Do The Word

Our faith comes from hearing the word of God (cf. Romans 10:17). Therefore, it is logical to turn to God’s word in order to maintain our faith when it is tested. We must “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save [our] souls” (1:21). Meekness is translated from the Greek word, prautēs, which means mildness, that is, humility (Strong). “It is that temper of spirit in which we accept [God’s] dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting…Described negatively, meekness is the opposite to self-assertiveness and self-interest; it is equanimity of spirit that is neither elated nor cast down, simply because it is not occupied with self at all” (Vine). When handed trials we are to remain level headed, humble, and think objectively. When we turn to God’s word in this way we recognize it as having the power to get us through any test. Regardless of the trial, it does not transcend the provision the word has to offer.

However, simply hearing God’s word is not sufficient. We must be “doers of the word” (1:22). God’s word is not dead. It is living and powerful (cf. Hebrews 4:12)! Our lives must reflect that truth. The gospel of Christ is not the power of God to salvation for all who read or hear (cf. Romans 1:16). His plan consists of individual faith and obedience in response to the hearing of the message!

Conclusion

By inspiration James has given us a threefold response to trials. We must count it all joy, thank God, and be doers of His word. If we do these things we will not fold under the pressure of various trials.