This week in Crisis Counsels we are looking at a passage in the New Testament letter of James:

Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4

Count it all joy, says James, when you meet various trials. How can we be joyous about trials? The reason, James will go on to say, is because trials can be the occasion for significant spiritual growth.

In various realms of life, people readily accept trials or purposefully engage in trials in order to achieve some sort of personal growth. Athletes engage in rigorous exercise – which is not always comfortable! – in order to improve their athletic ability. Scouts embark on backpacking excursions through the rain and go on winter campouts in tents – not always pleasant! – because they believe that such adventures will help them to grow in character. Somehow in the spiritual life, people often think that God should make everything pleasant and comfortable. But James would help us to see the positive side of experiencing trials – they can be an opportunity to grow in faith and in the depth of our commitment to God.

Prayer – In these trying times, O God, help us to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Click To Tweet

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About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.