December 1
Endurance
Through Testing
James 1:2-4
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.
Daily Steps
Having focused on inner discipline (Day 336), the new believer is now prepared to tackle external challenges. This passage provides a revolutionary perspective on suffering: trials are not obstacles, but instruments. They are necessary to test our faith (Day 254) and produce the essential virtue of perseverance (endurance), which leads directly to spiritual maturity and wholeness.
The peace in this principle is found in purposeful pain:
The Counterintuitive Command: We are commanded to Consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds. This is only possible because we have godly wisdom (Day 291) to see beyond the pain. It is a choice to see suffering through the lens of The Hope of the Resurrection (Day 309).
The Purpose of Testing: The command is based on the knowledge that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. God allows trials to prove the genuineness of our faith, which is far more valuable than temporary possessions (The Danger of Riches, Day 246). Perseverance is the ability to maintain resolute obedience (Day 283) under prolonged difficulty.
The Goal of Maturity: We are to Let perseverance finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. God's ultimate desire is our wholeness and fullness (Day 321). Trials, when endured by the Holy Spirit's power (Day 314), are the very tools used to shape us into complete, Christ-like disciples.
Your peace is secured by purposeful pain. Embrace Steadfastness and Endurance today by surrendering any current trial to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the joy to face it, knowing that this is the very testing designed to make you mature and complete.
Reflective Question
What is one specific trial you are facing right now (e.g., financial stress, relationship difficulty, illness)? How can viewing this as the testing of your faith change your attitude and help you choose pure joy today?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my tendency to complain or run from trials and suffering. I thank You for the promise that the testing of my faith produces perseverance and leads to maturity. I pray for the grace and wisdom to consider it pure joy when I face difficulties. Secure my peace today in this purposeful pain, and let perseverance finish its work in me. Amen.
