Have you ever heard the saying, “When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade!” It is easier to smile at that statement than to practice it, but the basic philosophy is sound. In fact, it is Biblical. We find throughout the Bible people who have turned defeat into victory and trials into triumph. I have seen many Christians do this, even in our own church. Instead of being victims, they became victors. The Epistle of James tells us that we can have this same experience! Whether we are dealing with trials on the outside or temptations on the inside, we can find that through faith in God and we can experience real victory!
In James 1:2 we read, “Count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” James assumes that we will experience trials. He doesn’t say “if” but “when” This is because Christians must expect trials. Some trials come simply because we are human such as sickness, accidents, disappointments, death, etc. Other trials come because we are Christians. We find that Satan fights us, and the world opposes us. We can expect trials! So what is to be the Christian’s response to various trials? The beginning of verse 2 simply states what the response of the Christian should be, “count it all Joy.” But how is it possible to rejoice in the midst of trials?
We need to keep in mind that trials rightly used help us to mature. We find that faith tested produces patience. To truly turn trials into triumph, we must let “patience” do its work. Too often, we want to get our trials or difficulties over with quickly. But there are times when the best course of action is to stand by patiently. Instead of grumbling and complaining, patiently endure the trial, being positive despite the trial because when patience has had an opportunity to work, it produces maturity! Notice in James 1:4 we find the statement to be perfect and complete. The word “perfect” does not mean sinlessness, but completeness, wholeness and maturity. In the New Testament, it is used for those who have attained spiritual maturity in Christ, having reached full maturity and understanding in spiritual matters
Such maturity only comes when patience has had time to work! Consider, for example, an endurance runner in his training. To be a mature runner requires letting patience do its work. That is, patiently running mile after mile in training. If we wish to run the race, spiritually speaking, we need to develop patience which comes only through a form of spiritual “resistance training.” That is, trials in which our faith is put to the test! Letting patience have its perfect work is not easy. It certainly requires wisdom which enables us to see the value of our trials.
James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom we need to simply ask God. God has promised to give it liberally and encourages us to make such a request. Remember Solomon’s request for wisdom was well-pleasing to God as seen in 1 Kings 3:7-12. So it is ok to ask God. You may ask, what exactly is this wisdom? To answer this we should be careful to distinguish “wisdom” from “knowledge” Knowledge involves information and facts. Wisdom is the ability or insight to properly use facts to make wise decisions. But knowledge comes only through His Word. We must carefully study it if we desire to know the Will of God! However, the wisdom to properly use God’s Word can be received through prayer. The wisdom to properly use trials and turn them into triumph comes through prayer. Prayer is asking in faith, with no doubts. Faith is the key to having our prayers answered.
So here is the key to turning trials into triumph. It begins by having the knowledge and perspective that adversity can accomplish good. We need to patiently endure adversity and let it accomplish its work, turning trials into triumph. We need to use the wisdom God gives us in answer to prayer to help us put it all together. When this is done, even trials can be a source of joy for the Christian. We need to keep this in mind as we approach a new year, 2022.
Pastor Ralph