Consider it all Joy?

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials," now hold on right there. Is James crazy? But he goes on. "knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance, and let endurance have it's perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-3


Okay that sounds fine, endurance, perfect and complete and no needs. Then the next verse says, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God." 1:4. Does this sound contradictory to you? Didn't James just say we wouldn't need anything and be perfect? Can't we just stop at the end of verse 3 and stay at the "lacking in nothing" part? Why would James stick this verse right after verse 3?

I believe it's all found in verse 12, "Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved he will recieve the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." This crown has been called the "lover's crown." I want one of those to present to my Savior.

My family is encountering trials right now. All similar to what many of you may be going through. It's in the handling of them that determines our character, according to James. Asking God's wisdom is important, yet it's His answer that might make us squirm. Will I continue to persevere no matter what? May God grant wisdom and strength to do so.

Fanny Crosby wrote these words as a child of eight:

O what a happy soul am I
Although I cannot see;
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don't.
To weep and sigh because I'm blind
I cannot and I won't.

Never say, "bring on the trials, 'cause I want to be strong", because you may not be. But resolve to kneel before the throne when they do come and let God's strength help you through.

Determined to Endure