Start Counting
James 1: 2 - 4
2 count it all joy when you fall into various trials
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Trials are something that we fall into. They are unexpected and unwanted, yet invariably we experience them. Trials bring opposition, pressure, and heartache. They demand our focus and overwhelm our emotions. Why then would James tell us to count it all joy when we encounter them?
The joy James speaks of here isn’t centred around happiness, laughter, or pleasure. Such things focus on the experience of the moment. Joy, on the other hand, is an irrepressible delight and a buoyant gladness, that comes from His Spirit within us. Joy imparts an inner strength that steadies our emotions and prevents us from being overwhelmed by events, vulnerable to lies, or overcome by despair.
Sadly, some assume that trials indicate wrongdoing or displeasing the Lord. They reason that good things happen to good people, so bad things must mean they’ve done something bad. This perspective robs them of faith and perpetuates a cycle of guilt and introspection, which never brings joy or victory.
Furthermore, this scripture in James doesn’t tell us to focus on what we experience or feel. Instead, it emphasises what we know. What we know is far more sustaining and reliable than what we feel. What we know enables us to push past initial feelings of hurt, loss, or dismay, and lay hold of truths that will steady our emotions and guide us through what we’re currently experiencing.
We often view trials as something that takes from us, consuming our energy, demanding our focus, stealing our peace, confounding our thoughts, and robbing us of sleep. However, this scripture in James challenges us to re-evaluate trials by considering what they add. While most understand that pushing past limitations and engaging in resistance training is part of becoming physically fit, we often fail to recognise that this is also true spiritually. Resisting temptation, dealing with difficulties, and pushing through opposition are all part of gaining spiritual strength.
Trials are usually about testing our faith, not the error of our ways. They’re about progress, not failure, and what we can gain rather than what we must endure. However, for this to be our reality, the testing of our faith needs to produce patience. This isn’t about tolerating something until it passes; it’s about having an inner fortitude that refuses to give up under pressure. It’s the endurance of a marathon runner who hits a wall but still keeps running. It’s the mindset that recognises that the other side of what we’re facing is the breakthrough we long for.
Patient endurance leads to becoming perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Now that’s something worth pushing in for! And that’s why James says to count it all joy. This word “count” is an accounting term and means precisely what it says. Begin counting and focus on what you’re about to gain. Remember, you are making an investment, so expect a return.
When we begin to count as heaven counts, we create a new ledger that centres our thoughts and strengthens our faith. Paul who experienced many trials, encourages us that these light afflictions are but for a moment, yet they work in us an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). By persevering through trials we build spiritual muscle, enabling us to run our race well and minister effectively in the kingdom.
Temptation and trials do not mean we’re weak for Jesus was in all points tempted, just as we are (Hebrews 4:15). Temptation is to reveal that we are strong. The strength of something is revealed by what it can endure. When buying a truck, people want to know how much weight it can carry. Even an elevator states the maximum number of people it can hold – that’s its load bearing capacity or strength. What’s ours? What can we successfully carry for the kingdom?
Trials are designed to promote, not demote. While they help us identify what we don’t know and reveal what’s missing in our relationship with the Lord, the primary focus is on who He wants to be for us and entrusts to us. Just as athletic trials test our ability to determine which team we qualify for; life trials determine the weight and responsibility we can function in.
When our soul aches and our mind struggles, we need to shift our perspective and start counting based on what we can gain rather than what we are currently dealing with. Every trial offers the opportunity of an upgrade, and every problem invites a promise from the One who has filled us with Himself and invited us to walk in His victory.
Our feelings are influenced by our thoughts. During trials and temptations, we desperately need to know what to think and thereby control what we feel. If we reason that God has forsaken us, we may try to get His attention and wonder if He cares. Or we can battle on alone simply looking for buckets to bail out the water. Alternatively, we can conclude that we have missed God, and focus on changing course or spend hours in introspection. Both pathways lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. However, when we start a new ledger and begin to focus on what the Lord is developing, and what He desires to impart, we begin to count as heaven counts. The result is joy that banishes discouragement and guards our hope.
The Lord is looking to add, to qualify, to develop. When we see what we are positioned to gain then counting it all joy becomes easier. What we are dealing with is part of our training and advancement. There’s purpose in the trial, find it and focus on it. Jesus endured because of the joy that was set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). What have you set before you?
Athletes endure because of their goals, but they avoid injury and strain by dealing with aching muscles and pain. They seek the wisdom of others and find relief in massage and therapy. Likewise, we need those who will coach us and cheer us on. We also need to find comfort in the Lord’s presence and massage our emotions with the truth of His Word and the balm of His love.
Regardless of our feelings or the wisdom of our response, the challenges we face and the trials we encounter, will test our faith. So don’t waste this opportunity. Count as heaven counts and let patience have its perfect work. As we do, we will begin to reap the harvest of being perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
Consider:
What are you going after in God? What needs to be developed in your life to get there?
What are your potential gains from going through the trial you are currently facing?
Create a list of what it would look like to be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Use this ledger as a basis for thanksgiving and declaration.
Prayer Prompts:
Who do You want to be for me in this situation
What potential gains are there in what I’m currently dealing with?
