Consider it Joy

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2)

Those are difficult and challenging words. We have to remember that God is not focused in this world on making us Happy, but is in the business of making us Holy. When Paul wrote to the Ephesian believers he said, "Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him." (Eph. 1:4) God's purpose is to transform us into Christ-likeness, once we have become believers, thus restoring the image of God with which we were originally created.

It is important to remember that James also said, "Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one." (1:13) God tests us to bring out the best in us. He expects His children to pass the test. He has equipped us to pass the test.

And even though we are tempted to evil by Satan to bring out the worst in us, God has promised to never allow us to be tempted beyond the point that we are able to say "No!" ( I Cor. 10:13). Another incredibly wonderful promise is in I John 2:2 that reminds us that when we stumble and sin, we have an Advocate before the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

So how do you rejoice and throw a party when you face trials? You remember that God trusted you enough to allow this test. He believes you have what it takes. And you remember that God's purpose toward you is good. He is perfecting you in the image of Christ.