James 1:2-4 - Finding Joy in the Fire
When life gets hard, most of us want to run from it, fix it fast, or ask why it’s happening. But in James 1:2–4, the Bible gives us a different way to look at struggles:
"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)
This verse tells us that hard times aren’t random. They are part of God’s plan to help us grow. Trials shape us. They help us learn to keep going even when we don’t see results right away.
During college, I had to work nearly 80 hours a week to afford school. I even had to take a semester off to earn enough money to return. It was tough. But looking back, I can see how God used that time to build endurance in me. It wasn’t just about paying bills, but it was about building my character.
During that season, I worked two jobs and was exposed to different work environments and leadership styles. I began to see which work cultures were healthy and which ones weren’t. Some companies had strong leadership and team unity, while others suffered from poor communication and low morale. That hands-on experience showed me the deep impact that management, vision, and culture have on people and productivity. It gave me a lasting understanding of what makes a business thrive—and what makes it fall apart.
God uses pain to teach us and to make us stronger. The world tells us to avoid discomfort. But the Bible says that sticking with God through struggles makes us more mature.
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3–4)
When I was younger, I went through hurtful experiences in relationships. I was made fun of and pressured into things I didn’t want to do. Those moments were painful, but they taught me what real love and identity in Christ looks like. God didn’t let the pain go to waste. He used it to teach me what matters most.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ.” (1 Peter 4:12–13)
Now, as an adult, whenever I go through financial or personal stress, I try to remember this: everything I have is God’s. My time, my money, my future—it’s all His. That truth gives me peace, even when life feels uncertain.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
We often think suffering means something is wrong. But the Bible reminds us that suffering is actually part of the journey. It's how God shapes us. We may not enjoy it, but we can trust that God is using it to grow us.
“It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” (Psalm 119:71)
So next time you face something hard, don’t rush past it. Ask God what He wants to teach you. Trust Him. He’s using it to make you strong.
Let perseverance finish its work.