Trials and Temptations

[James 1:2-3]

Trials and temptations are unavoidable in this life. Whether we like it or not, the choice to walk with the Lord is a guarantee that we will endure hardship. Fortunately we are not left wondering what to do when we fall into these situations. Today, I specifically want to talk to you about what the apostle James says about hardships.

James is an interesting figure in Early Church history, because he was not only the half-brother of Jesus, but also the well-respected pastor of the Church of Jerusalem. His letter is to encourage believers who were being persecuted for their faith in Christ, which is where he wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2 KJV).

James 1:2-3 (NIV) –[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

“Consider it” James is telling believers to make a decisive personal choice about how they face their life situations. Knowing Christ changes everything (i.e., Phil 3:7-8)! It is literally “add it all up!” In the ancient world a group of numbers were totaled at the top, not the bottom, as in our culture.

Notice that he did not say, “Enjoy it when you fall into divers temptations.” There is nothing enjoyable about dealing with life’s problems, and God is not asking us to do that.

Instead this verse says, “Count it all joy,” which tells us about the attitude we must have if we want to come out of our problems victoriously.

As believers, we do not have to be subject to our circumstances. We have the power to make the choice that even the troubles we face are going to produce joy in our lives.

You may be truly struggling and even suffering, but you have the power in you to respond to that situation with joy instead of complaining or misery. Problems happen! How believers face them is the crucial issue!

Again, I want you to notice what the verse does not say. James didn’t write, “If you fall into divers temptations…,” but “When.” This clearly says that it’s going to happen. It’s a fact.

Troubles are an unavoidable part of life, but we still have the power within us to choose whether or not we will be defeated and crushed by them.

Holy Spirit lives in us, so regardless of what the problem is, the answer is always the same — we’re walking through it all with joy flowing in us.

The next time you come up against a trial that challenges your faith, make the decision to be joyful.

I feel, I need to describe the terms used here because you may not be connecting with it, or you may not be familiar with the terms.

It is faith working, to count a trial as joy. The temptation silently begs you to grumble or complain, instead of being joyful, trusting the Lord to see you though to the other side. To grumble and complain is a sure indicator of unbelief.

Allow joy to hold you in place and keep you steady. As you do, you’ll notice that God will begin to fill you with supernatural endurance and strength that will put you over and on top! My friend, you’ll be the victor every time life’s challenges come your way!

Let’s pray together:

Lord, help me stand my ground and defend what I have gained, in you. No matter how difficult it might be to do this. I know with your supernatural help, I can outlive, and outlast this situation. With your Spirit’s power working inside of me, I know I can stick it out until the enemy realizes he cannot beat me. He will retreat, in Jesus name. Amen!

Let’s make a decree:

I confess that I am steadfast, consistent, unwavering, and unflinching! I don’t care how much pressure I’m under. I’m not budging. This is my territory and the enemy doesn’t have the power to move me!

I have supernatural endurance—staying power, hang-in-there power—and I have an attitude that holds out, holds on, outlasts, and perseveres until the victory is won and the goal is reached! I declare this by faith in the name of Jesus!

It is crucial that we constantly keep the light of God’s Word turned on in our lives.

Glorify and honor God in your thoughts words and actions today, in Jesus’ Name!

Remember: Whatever stands between you and your Bible is your enemy!

God bless you my friend,

— Dwight Hammond