Called to the Counterintuitive

James 1:2-6, 12:  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. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

 This is a tough one…at least it’s tough for me.  I don’t like trials and I never liked tests. They always result it some degree of anxiety–even if I feel totally prepared.  There is something inside each one of us that bristles at the thought of having to endure a season of painful trial.  With this in mind, it is amazing to consider that we humans actually create challenges in life that require painful endurance–running marathons, climbing mountains, etc.  There exists something within us that compels us to such feats. There is a glorious feeling of satisfaction when we reach a peak or cross a finish line.  And we have tremendous respect for others who do the same.

 So why are we so surprised that this same law of endurance and reward exists in the things of the spirit?  It really should come as no surprise. James tells us in this epistle to consider trials to be pure joy…not because of the pain of enduring them, but because of the results they are sure to produce in our lives.  No athlete truly enjoys the painful aspects of training. But every athlete knows that without training he will not have the strength or endurance to achieve his goal.  He submits to the rigors of training with an eye on that goal.

 So it is with us as we develop strength and endurance in our spiritual life. Trials and testing lead us to perseverance.  And perseverance must “finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Maturity and completeness are the outcomes of persevering through trials. And what comes when we are mature and complete?  James tells us that we will not lack anything. And anything means anything.

And just to make sure we understand that when we need wisdom in the midst of a trial, James reminds us that all we need to do is ask God for it. God will then give us generous portions of wisdom–but we must ask in faith without doubting that He will do so.  Wisdom to submit to God’s will. Wisdom to make sound decisions.  Wisdom to choose obedience and stand strong in the face of temptation.  God’s wisdom.

 The question that begs to be answered is then, “what is waiting for us after we have persevered through a trial?”  The answer comes in verse 12:  Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Bring on the crown of life…the only crown worth it all!