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REJOICING IN TRIALS?
MONDAY, OCTOBER 3
James 1:2

Matthew 5:10-12

 

“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven…”

 

REJOICING IN TRIALS?
 
James exhorts the brethren that in all things they must count it a delight. In James 1:2, “temptation” means testing or trial. An elaboration of the temptation is found in the following verse that talks of “the trying of your faith.” Therefore, the temptation here applies only to believers, for what is there to test if one does not have faith? Unbelievers who face difficulties and challenges in life are experiencing the consequences of sins.
 
Call for all Christians: This Epistle for practical Christian living was written to meet the needs of believers who were in distress because of persecution. The call is for brethren, fellow children of God by faith in Jesus. Some argue that James referred to the Jewish race in this particular address. However, taking the context of Acts 8, the recipients are the Jews scattered abroad because of their newfound faith in Jesus. Thus, James’ primary audience are true believers, his brothers and sisters-in-Christ.
 
Count it all joy: James exhorts the believers that in all temptations or testings at all times they must rejoice in the Lord. To “count” (James 1:2) is a command to make a decision after weighing the facts or circumstances. It is to consider or have an opinion about the sad and tragic experiences. And to do it with joy! To “fall into” (James 1:2) is to be encompassed or surrounded by trying circumstances and all kinds of trials.
 
Everyone endures some measure of trouble. Man’s fall resulted in a world that is under God’s curse (Gen 3:17-24). The children of God are not exempt. God permits trials and troubles for Christians to test their faith or chastise them for their waywardness. In the context of James’ letter, this trial was the persecution that would test their obedience to Jesus.
 
How about you? Are you facing troubles because of your unbelief? Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus. Or are you facing trials that test your faith in Him? You will know by the Spirit’s prompting through the reading of God’s Word. Rejoice, for these shall strengthen your confidence in the Lord and cause you to know His truth and His love deeper.
 
THOUGHT: What troubles am I facing: chastening or testing?
PRAYER: Father in heaven, Thou knowest my heart. Grant me the discernment to comprehend these troubles that I am facing.

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