James 1:2-8 – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”  NKJV

             I have preached from this text many times and each time I read the first words of the sentence number one I have the same reaction.   Are you kidding me?  I am supposed to not just count it JOY but ALL JOY when I have trials, tests, and troubles!  Seriously?   YES!!!!   There is a parallel study in the Book of James that reveals the characteristics of the twelve sons of Jacob and it is powerful but that for another time.  Here I focus on the question, “Has James lost his mind or is this truth that really works?”  Well, I have proven this in my life so I can testify that it worked for me and works for me.

             James identified an important factor that too often we, as believers, want to avoid, TESTING or the testing of our faith.  Faith is not really faith unless and until it has passed testing.  It is more theory than faith because ‘biblical faith’ is rock solid, unmovable and sure.  It is convinced with conviction!  James gives us some important aspects and results when we follow the prescription and learn the JOY of REJOICING!

            Tests of faith produces PATIENCE and who among us could not use more patience?  But it is not just patience as in tolerance but patience as in willingness to WAIT ON GOD.  It is learning this biblical patience that we reach a place that our faith is as granite and our confidence in God absolute that we WAIT and in waiting we lack nothing.  James then seems to shift gears but it is all connected for he said, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…”  Do you need wisdom in any area?  Ask.  However many of us need wisdom in waiting because we are normally an impatient people living in a microwave world of instant everything. 

            James also tells us that our waiting and asking is to be done without wavering.  We cannot be double-minded or vacillate back and forth for in that condition faith cannot live and will wither into nothingness or blind hope not assured confidence.  It is learning to find reasons to rejoice no matter the situation and knowing that this temporary problem, setback or obstacle is just that TEMPORARY.  It is as we learn to WAIT that we walk with a new boldness in our Christian life and demonstrate to the world that not only do we trust God but that our God lives!

            So as you encounter setbacks, problems, obstacles, and delays COUNT IT ALL JOY!  Then rest in your confidence and as the Holy Spirit teaches you the art of waiting watch your faith soar, your confidence climb, and your life changes!

             Blessings as you go through your day!