Trials of various kinds
Last week, Claire (my wife) hit a pothole on the way home from work. I call it a pothole, but it might be more accurately described as a small crater on the surface of the road! There was nothing she could do - it was unmarked and unavoidable. As she pulled onto the roadside with a flat tyre, she was soon joined by another motorist who’d hit the same hole with the same result. Thankfully through the help of some kind family members, we managed to get the tyre changed the next day. That was that…or so we thought.
As we headed out one day this week, a warning light appeared on the dash. Another flat tyre! The mechanic at our local garage was able to confirm my suspicions: the pothole had caused both flats. While one tyre had instantly blown out, the other had slowly deflated over the next few days.
In some ways, this describes our Christian experience. There are many potholes on the road to heaven. The way there is lined with difficulties and disappointments. They are simply unavoidable. Some are like a sudden blowout – our lives are changed, instantly and irrevocably. Others are more like a slow puncture – we can’t so easily see the effect, but little-by-little they drain the joy out of our Christian lives.
James writes about this as he begins his Epistle. He’s writing to Christians facing “trials of various kinds”. These believers had been driven from their homes and were finding the going tough. Some had lost jobs. Others possessions. Many were far away from the support of family. Yet as James acknowledges these different potholes, he points to the same response. “Count it all joy my brothers”.
It’s a staggering exhortation. In the midst of these difficulties, James’ command is to respond with joy. He doesn’t mean these Christians are to find joy in the trials themselves - the pain of loss or the paralysis of unemployment is not happy! But as they considered God’s underlying purpose, they could count them as joy. James anchors this joy in God, as he explains 3 truths about trials.
FATHER’S DESIGN
Firstly, James reminds these believers that God has designed every trial for their spiritual good (v.3). Though the road to heaven is lined with many obstacles, God knows about each one. None take him by surprise. In fact, He has placed them there. God has designed every trial we face so that it will refine our faith - they are shaped so we will grow in grace, and more deeply depend on Him (Rom.8:28). He is a good Father, who knows what is best for His children.
That is immensely encouraging in a world ravaged by pandemic. Coronavirus has affected us in very different ways. Some are feeling isolated and lonely. Others overwhelmed and weary. Many feel uncertain about the future or anxious for loved ones. Yet every situation has been designed by God to “produce steadfastness” (v.3). Our faithful Father is increasing our faith. I love how the Heidelberg Catechism expresses this confidence in answering the ‘Q: What do you believe when you say, "I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?’,
“I have no doubt…that He will make whatever evils he sends upon me in this valley of tears, turn out to my advantage. For he is able to do it being Almighty God, and willing being a faithful Father.”
SON’S IMAGE
Secondly, James encourages these Christians by telling them that God is using trials to change them into the image of His Son. Our heavenly Father has a very specific goal in His mind. He is moulding and shaping us, so we will be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing”. This is a beautiful truth - through Adam’s fall, God’s image in mankind has been horribly distorted. But in Christ, it is being gloriously renewed (Eph.4:24, Col.3:10).
“Through Adam’s fall, God’s image in mankind has been horribly distorted. But in Christ, it is being gloriously renewed”
James had grown up with Jesus - he was his half-brother. He’d seen this “perfect and complete” person - in youth, adolesence and manhood. What a thrill it must have been for him to write these words, having seen this perfect life firsthand! Though we haven’t seen Him, that same truth can encourage us - our Father is changing us into the image of His Son.
SPIRIT’S HELP
But sometimes in the midst of trials, while we know these truths in our minds, they haven’t yet penetrated our hearts. We need wisdom. James reminds us that God has not left us to face trials alone. His Spirit is both able and willing to help us (v.5).
Of course, we always know that God is able to help. But perhaps in the depths of pain, we wonder if He is willing. Like the Psalmist in Psalm 42, we cry, “why have you forgotten me?” That’s why James’ encouragement is so helpful. The Greek quite literally says this: “if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of the giving God, who gives generously without reproach”. God is not a begrudging Helper. He doesn’t give with one hand and take with the other. He gives His Spirit to all who ask (Luke 11:13). He is “the giving God”.
Perhaps today, the road in front of you seems covered in potholes. You’re bracing for the impact, unsure of how much damage there will be. Take heart! Our faithful Father has lovingly laid every one. They are divinely designed to make you more like His Son. And by His Spirit, He will carry you through. As William Cowper so knowingly put it,
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for his grace,
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face
