James 1:1–4 ¹ James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴ Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I think most people read verse two above and think, “Yeah, right! I’ll be joyful when I’m going through a bunch of trials all at once.” Why would anyone feel that way? It usually only takes one thing going wrong for the complaining to begin, much less “trials of many kinds.” The way of the world is to complain about things going wrong, and followers of Jesus get caught up in that as well.

James gives us a good reminder here, telling us to keep things in the proper perspective. When viewed through the eyes of faith, we should see our situations and circumstances differently. And speaking God’s Word to us here in his epistle, the apostle says that “the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

That word “perseverance,” used twice in this passage, comes from a word whose root meaning is “steadfastness or holding out.” It has to do with courageous active resistance to hostile attacks. This passage shoul reminds us that even though we have been led to faith in Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, while we are on this side of heaven there is still a battle going on. Satan and his minions continue to attack, trying to get you to doubt God’s goodness and question His promises.

You and I will not persevere if we try to do so by our own power or strength. James is trying to remind us that this is a testing of YOUR FAITH. Your faith is in Jesus, and He will give you the strength and power to stand firm. Just keep your eyes on Him. Recall what He has already done for you by focusing on the cross and the empty tomb. Cling to His promise that nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:39).

The more you persevere, the more you will mature in your faith. A mature faith knows that you can face anything, because Jesus is with you, always. I was reminded of this hymn. I especially like the prayer of last stanza.

Oh, for a faith that will not shrink Tho’ pressed by many a foe;
That will not tremble on the brink Of poverty or woe;

That will not murmur nor complain Beneath the chast’ning rod,
But in the hour of grief or pain Can lean upon its God;

A faith that shines more bright and clear When tempests rage without;
That, when in danger, knows no fear, In darkness feels no doubt;

That bears unmoved the world’s dread frown Nor heeds its scornful smile;
That sin’s wild ocean cannot drown Nor Satan’s arts beguile;

A faith that keeps the narrow way Till life’s last spark is fled
And with a pure and heavenly ray Lights up the dying bed.

Lord, give us such a faith as this; And then, whate’er may come,
We’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss Of an eternal home.

(The Lutheran Hymnal #396)