Right Reactions?

Introduction

Some trials of faith can be so sudden and ferocious that they can knock us off balance, cause our hearts to tremble, confuse our minds, force us to run away, or yield to pressure, compromise or stress. Other tests we face are so arduous and prolonged that they wear or grind us down, leave us exhausted and wrung out, or gradually drive us down into the depth of depression and despair.

Context

James, not one of the twelve, but a brother of our Lord, presided over the earliest Jerusalem Church. He had passed unscathed through initial waves of hostility that buffeted apostles. His namesake had been martyred by beheading after a brutal reprisal of Herod. Disciples had been hauled before courts, hurled into jail, or left without work, as Saul raged against Christ. He writes to calm and challenge scattered saints.

Be Positive

Though their trials are great, believers must not lose heart. Their outlook should be buoyant as they reckon pain “all joy”. This careful calculation is not Christian masochism. It is not “pure” or “sheer” joy, as some translator suggest, that is delightful in itself. “No pain, no gain” comes closer to the truth. If it is an instant plus to suffer stripes that identify believers with Christ, affliction and persecution accrue long-term benefits, and are thus "all joy".

Be Bi-Perspectival

Don’t jump to rash conclusions about the origin of your pain. It is overly simplistic to point the finger at the devil, or reduce all affliction to divine punishment. James employs an identical term for both “temptation” and “test”. What he is impressing upon us is that, like a coin, trials are two-sided and should be viewed from both angles. Satan aims to hurt by what God allows to help. In trial we are meant not to sin but to stand.

Be Prepared

Christians are neither to be surprised or alarmed by trails of “various kinds”. The assaults and attacks, like variegated leaves or marbled rocks, come in a vast array of all shapes, sizes and stripes. which the Lord ordains and tailor-suits to each. As Job found out, they can come all at once. Or like Jeremiah learnt, they can be interspersed throughout life. If short and sharp, or long and embittering, don’t be shocked but braced.

Be Purposeful

Suffering of saints is no random event without an intended result. Our precious faith is placed in a furnace of affliction by God to prove our metal, purge out dross, and purify a mature, well-rounded, character, poured into the mould of the likeness of Christ. This language is drawn from molten metal work: Impure ore is fired in a vat, floating impurities scorched or scraped off, and pure gold collected, cooled and cast into ingots.

Be Persistent

If affliction of the Christian is a proving-purging process, the key step to growth, is taking heat while remaining resolute. Discipleship is an “iron-man” endurance race. Many traits and much training are involved. High hurdles and taxing conditions must be overcome. Obstacles and obstructions tempt athletes to faint and stop. Children of God must be fully-resolved, and able to keep-going, bear-up, and finish-strong.

Be Prayerful

If strains and stresses try the patience of saints, believers are blown-about by storms if navigating wisdom is not prayerfully sought. As Peter learnt, those who launch out in faith, then move their gaze from Christ to encircling circumstances, sink beneath the surf. More alarmingly, they are blown off course, this way and that, by lack of wisdom, into moral indecision and sinful compromise. Seek grace from Christ to hold fast.

Be Prospective

Those whose place is lower in this world, can comfort themselves with higher standing in the next. Their temporary humble rank through birth, loss of work, confiscation of goods or persecution for the faith, will soon give way to eternal heavenly wealth. Those with money, power, influence or rank, must not rely on such but realize, like grass or flowers, it all withers fast, has no lasting worth, but rather, trust fully on Christ.

Be Persuaded

Those perplexed by pain can start to apportion blame in order to entertain sin. If a root of bitterness rises, and we are tempted to blame the devil, or point the finger at God, never forget that the Lord loathes sin and cannot tempt the child of God. The reason we get hooked, is that our mouth-like lust is eager to take Satan’s bait. Rely on the gifts of the unchanging goodness of your Father, who, unlike planets, cannot alter course.

Conclusion

Try to recall the ultimate benefit of trials to remain positive. Never forget that what the devil plans for bane God permit to bless. Brace yourself in advance so that you won’t be shocked by dark days in your life. Be resolved to keep going, not faint, and get the intended benefit of character forged like Christ. Ask for all His wisdom that you need to steady the ship and navigate your course. Wait for God who works all for good.