Young Adults' Group

A Dynamic Spirit To Face The Trials Of Life

by Pastor Mark
May 07, 2020

Facing the trials of life

“Retrenchments”…“pay cuts”…“financial losses”…these are some of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 virus that may have affected our livelihood, workplace or family. But how should we approach to these trials of life? What kind of spirit should we have in facing these testing? The Apostle James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote to the Jews who were scattered abroad and were faced with various trials such as losing their homes and jobs. What was the kind of spirit that he encouraged his brethren to choose?

1. Choose the dynamic spirit of joy

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” (James 1:2)

The word “count” means “to use our mind to consider or to reckon”. James challenged his brethren that they should consider choosing the spirit of joy as their dynamic approach in going through their times of difficulty.

It is hard to find joy in facing trials. The brethren were scattered because of persecution. The tendency to feel sad and despondent is very real. They could end up complaining or even questioning God. But the trials of life need not cause us to lose our joy.

Whatever the trials may be, we want to choose to have a dynamic spirit of joy. The Apostles chose to rejoice when the Jewish leaders persecuted them. (Acts 5:41) Let us choose this dynamic spirit of joy as our approach to go through the trials of life.

2. The testing of our faith

“knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:3)

The word “testing” means “to have something tested and proven”. Going through the trials of life is a test of our faith. It reveals and proves what kind of faith we have. God allows the testing of life so that we can learn to apply and develop our faith. It is for the sake of our faith, among other things, that we are tested.

3. The goals of our testing

a. “Patience” means “perseverance, endurance”

Through the trials of life, perseverance is generated. When we can last out, to endure through our testing, we would have the distinction of having developed perseverance in our lives. It is a cause for us to rejoice in. Let us be challenged to develop a faith that can persevere.

b. Maturity of faith

If we continue to persevere through the testing of life, another goal is for our faith to be perfected. (James 1:4) It does not mean that we have developed a perfect faith, but a mature one. In experiencing each test, no matter how big or small, we learn to grow our faith towards maturity. We have every reason to rejoice as we are strengthened to face these adversities. Let us seek to develop the dynamic spirit of joy in facing our trials.

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