James.1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
We find the following inspired words: “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”.
Trials of life come in various forms, shapes and sizes and it is extremely difficult to be joyful when faced with various trials, but the outcome makes it inevitably important and hence, we should count it all joy because by the help the Spirit provides, we shall be victorious.
Steadfastness is inevitable to a viable christian life. Paul encourages the Christians in Corinth to be steadfast (or immoveable).
This suggests the idea of consistency in faith, undeviating constancy and continuousness in resolution. A rock-solid faith is one that demonstrates steadfastness in upholding the truth in word and in deed.
However, steadfastness does not come by accident! Most times, it is produced through the ability to endure trials. James persuades us to allow steadfastness to have its full effect as this brings completeness.
Paul admonished the Christians at Philippi to 'rejoice in the Lord always'. This is critically important that it necessitates emphasis. He goes ahead to repeat it: 'I will say it again, rejoice!‘ The word 'always' implies that our rejoicing should be all the time. This includes times of trial because we know that the Lord will never forsake us and He will see us through just as He saw Job through.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him" (James. 1:12). The word blessed in this verse is used in the same sense as in Psalm.1 and it expresses the happy condition of the one who endures trials through trust in the Lord.
The ability to persevere under trial comes from an unwavering resolution to follow the Saviour whatever life throws at us. This helps us understand the part of Paul's letter to the Roman Christians. This is not different from the exhortation of Paul to the Christians at Rome
when he asked the questions in Rom.8:35:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?”
Simply put, shall trials through these various dimensions take us away from the Lord and His love? If we 'count it all ' (James.2:1), nothing shall separate us from Christ's love.
Paul also provided an answer to these questions in later verses when he says: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom.8:37-39).
Basically, by virtue of our steadfastness and perseverance, we can be joyful in Christ inspite of trials and we will stand firmly on the promises of Christ whatever life's circumstances bring.
Philemon 4:4 - 7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.