Thinking About Trials

Scripture: James 1

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." (James 1:2-3).

James is practical. Trials of all kinds will come our way as we make our journey from Earth to Heaven. Our attitude toward them will make all the difference here and in eternity.

Count - to consider, deem, account, think (Thayer's).

Joy - calm delight (Strong's).

Fall - to fall into something that is all around, i.e. light among or upon, be surrounded with (Strong's).

Trials - a putting to proof (by experiment [of good], experience [of evil], solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication, adversity (Strong's).

Knowing - to know, understand, perceive, have knowledge of (Thayer's).

Testing - that by which something is tried or proved, a test (Thayer's).

Faith - conviction of the mind, trust of the heart, surrender of the will.

Produces - do work fully, i.e. accomplish; by implication, to finish, fashion (Strong's).

Patience - cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy (Strong's).

Jason Cicero