How’s 2026 going for you so far? Living the dream? Peaches and cream? All the lights on Main Street are green? Or maybe things aren’t sunshine and roses; maybe things are off to a rocky start. If you’re not having a hard time now, wait five minutes, right? You can expect troubles and trials to come this year (if they’re not here already) that will test your spirit – how will you deal with those hard times?
James began his letter with these words: “Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, 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 various kinds will come. They will test your faith. Nothing happens by accident, and God is in control of every event, even the tough ones. He can even design, implement, and use difficulties to accomplish His purposes. When the car breaks down or the water heater goes out, in difficult relationships, times of sickness, or other trials— these are the testing of your faith, and God will do and use these things to bring you to maturity. He is the potter, and you are the clay, and He will slap you down to mold you and shape you, to improve you, to be more like Christ. It will produce steadfastness in you. You will be more like Christ and grow up in Christ through this trial and testing. The steadfastness will finish and have its full effect: you will be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
When will this end? When will this be complete? When will you be perfect and lacking in nothing? We grow in stages, moving from one trial to another. Ultimately, it will finish when you meet Jesus; either you die or He returns. It’s a long haul. You’re running a marathon, not a sprint. There is a bigger picture in view; can you see past the trials today and understand why it’s happening and what’s going on and where you’re headed? When you get there (heaven) and your journey is complete, all the trials will cease. But until then, be ready. Count it as joy. Not that it is joy, because it is hard and painful and difficult. But if you can see the bigger picture, understand where you’re going, the purpose of the trials and testing, and what God is doing, and how these trials are good for you – you can get through them.
Count the trials as joy. Consider them a blessing. Lean into them. Be grateful for them. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven will be great. These trials lead to praise, glory, and honor when you meet Jesus face to face. That will be a great day when your salvation will be complete.