Difficulties of life come to us all; no exceptions. They are not our choice. Often they arrive unexpectedly. Trials, grief, assorted troubles may weave into our relationships, our health or sickness to someone we love, finances, or work. In a wider circle we may be affected by problems in our community, churches, with neighbors. Again, no one is exempt. James said in 1:2, Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity of great joy. We may read that and want to shout, “What?!? Are you kidding me!” It may be especially daunting when we take note the verse says “when,” not “if.”
Are we truly to be glad, rejoicing when bad things happen? Of course not. That is a misinterpretation of the verse. It is not suggested here that we are to be happy because something terrible came our way. Rather, it is assuring us that as a result of the problem, we will be made stronger; therefore, rejoicing in the peace and strength, and yes, joy that will come to us. Choosing to trust God in the fire of our burdens, grows our faith until we truly know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:29 NKJV). Songwriter Andrea Crouch wrote a song with the words, “If I never had a problem, I’d never know God could solve them.” How can we know the truth of Luke 1:37, For with God nothing is impossible, if we never see Him work miracles of His comfort and peace in the most dire of circumstances?
Have you ever watched someone use a blowtorch? The piece of metal being worked upon is torched in the fire to be bent and molded into something useful and beautiful, fit for purpose. In the fire it may be beaten with a hammer or fused to fit perfectly in place. This is what happens to us when we are thrust into unexpected fires of sorrow and turmoil. Our Father is with us, controlling the blows, speaking words of comfort and instruction to, “Press on! press on! You will obtain the prize of peace and joy, unexplainable to the world, but intimately shared between you and Me for all your days on earth, and vast, unmeasured jubilation in Heaven” (Philippians 3:14 paraphrase mine). Keeping our eyes focused on our Father no matter the pain; especially in the pain, increases our faith in Him, and grows our love for Him.
Our Father’s love never changes toward us, but our love is wishy-washy, so often depending on outward circumstances. That is not true love. Growing into perfect love which is unhindered by the world’s burdens, is an intimacy worth developing. Love shared between you and your Father cannot be compared to any other for it is unbreakable for eternity. Therefore, let us ask the Holy Spirit’s help when unexpected troubles land in our path. He will always answer our call for help, and He will always be our everything to get us through anything. The results of such trusting? Joy unspeakable and full of glory (I Peter 1:8).