Pure Joy

“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.” - James 1:2-4

If you are going to renew your mind as Paul talks about in Romans 12, you are going to be tested. As we discussed a few days ago, tests are essential to our growth. So instead of being frustrated in the midst of a test, James gives us a different perspective.
 
James 1:2-4 says, “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.”

Did you catch that? Right away, He says, “Consider it PURE JOY.” Now I don’t know about you, but I don’t know many people who I’ve seen in a state of PURE JOY while they are going through tests and trials.  

Most people let their situation or circumstance dictate their feelings. But instead, James is urging you to stay in a state of pure joy. What he is saying is, don’t let your emotions dictate how you feel. Instead, think of the bigger picture!
 
In order to get where you want to go, you are going to have to grow. How can you know that you are growing? Through tests and trials. That is the only way. The test is unavoidable.  

So why become frustrated every time you face one? This is a great way to renew our minds. Instead of thinking the way the world thinks, change your mind and choose joy in the midst of your trials and tests.
 
Consider it pure joy because you know that the testing of your faith is what it is going to take to get where you are trying to go!