Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2-4)

As Christians we are not immune to the pains and sufferings of this age. If Christ was not immune then why should we be? We are instructed to count is as an "opportunity for great joy". So, when we're being persecuted physically and mentally by those around us, when death or illness assaults us, or when life's daily stresses and strains weigh on us we are to be joyful? That's crazy talk! I thought we were supposed to complain and sulk around like it's the end of the world. I believe complaining about our situation is so easy to do that it's become our default position, but James gives us the reason for our joy.

We are to be joyful because of what the testing of our faith brings. It brings endurance, which in turn will make us whole and complete. After all what is the suffering in this life compared to the pleasures of eternity. What is an average life span? 80 years? Let's say 100 years. What is that compared to everlasting life?
It is barely a blip on the screen of our existence. Therefore, eternity is another reason for our joy. Because of Jesus Christ and our belief in Him, we can be joyful in knowing that this life is not all there is. After the sting of death we shall be ushered into a life brimming with the very presence of God. We shall not be able to contain ourselves. Who could? For God will have made us whole and complete in Christ and the Holy Spirit, through us, will give glory and honor to the One who is worthy!

Weary believer take heart! We all must walk this journey of life that has been laid before. We shall overcome with God's help. Press the fight!

Love God. Love others. (Matthew 22:34-40)