LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Joy in Tribulation
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations..." (James 1:2).
The Lord teaches us in this text of the Scriptures that the time of trials or tribulations -as some versions say- is a time of motivation; and this motivation brings great joy. But how can we be motivated in the time of tribulation if it brings us sadness, restlessness and anguish?
In the time of tribulation we fall in tears before the Lord to be blessed, to be delivered, and, of course, there is no motivation in any of that. Whenever I went into tribulation, I would cry out to God to deliver me, thinking that the blessing was in the deliverance, but it is not there. Deliverance from tribulation is our detriment, whereas enjoying what it provides is the blessing. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3).
The reason we ask God for deliverance is lack of wisdom. If we do not understand it when we go through those tribulations or trials, it is necessary to ask God to give us wisdom, and not deliverance. Wisdom, because they are part of the Christian life, and they are the ones that perfect us. "But let patience have her complete work, that ye may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. And if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:4-5).
All teaching has its origin in doctrine, and this is what God does with us. Teaching comes by the prophetic word (1 Cor. 14:3), and after being taught, we need to go through the practical test. "The crucible for silver, and the furnace for gold; but the Lord trieth the hearts" (Prov. 17:3). God thus tests the righteous and the wicked, though the wicked are always reproved (Ps. 11:5).
In contrast to the wicked, the righteous, after being approved, will receive an eternal reward. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he shall have stood the test, he shall receive the crown of life, which God hath promised to them that love him" (James 1:12); therefore, the test is a blessed exercise of God, given so that, after having heard his Word, it may not be only a theoretical teaching, but may become life in us (Rom. 5:3-5).
What has been your attitude before the tribulations that God grants you? To call God to deliver you from them, or have they been a cause of joy for you? If not joy, ask God for wisdom. "But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after ye have suffered a little while, he himself shall make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, and establish you" (1 Pet. 5:10).