Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.1
To the worldly this teaching is absurd. How can one rejoice while suffering? It takes a revelation and understanding, a perspective that sees beyond the present. Similar to how architects are trained—beginning with the end in sight. As children of God saved by grace,2 we know from Scripture that we will go through a sanctification process that transforms us into the same image of our Lord Jesus.3
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it. . .4 “What the enemy meant for evil, God will turn it for good,” is a biblical concept taken from Genesis.5
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.6 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.7
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.8
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.9 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.10
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what well be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.11
“It is finished.”12 “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall swear allegiance.’13
Notes:
1. James 1:2-4
2. Ephesians 2:8-9
3. 2 Corinthians 3:18
4. 2 Timothy 3:12-14
5. Genesis 50:20
6. 1 Peter 4:12-14
7. Matthew 5:10
8. Proverbs 24:10-11
9. James 1:12
10. Hebrews 10:35-36
11. 1 Peter 4:16-19
12. John 19:30
13. Isaiah 45:22-23; Romans 14:10-12; Philippians 2:9-11
