James 1:2–8 // Testing that produces maturity // Dale Piscura
In our Scripture today, James writes to believers who are experiencing many trials. As an elder brother in Christ, he has learned that God is sovereign over all matters concerning His children and that, in fulfillment of Jesus’ promise, all followers of Christ will experience testing and trials in this life. His exhortation to “consider it all joy” when facing trials is shaped by his own experience, as well as the testimony of countless saints who have gone before.
James points to the spiritual benefit of trials: steadfastness, or perseverance, which leads to maturity. Maturity here means Christlikeness. Slowly but surely, God is at work behind the scenes, growing each of us through the circumstances of life. He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion. As we are the clay and He is the potter, God often uses the common instrument of difficulty to shape us into the image of Christ.
James also reminds his readers that God’s generosity in granting wisdom is readily available. At the throne of grace and mercy, God willingly meets us in the midst of our testing and provides divine help. He does not stand at a distance from our trials, but enters into them with us.
As a former high school teacher and coach, I gave hundreds of tests. Some measured knowledge in U.S. Government or World History. Others were fitness tests designed to evaluate an athlete’s condition. These tests were challenging, but they were good for the students. They were also revealing. Through them, I could assess each student’s preparation and performance. Tests of knowledge and skill helped students and athletes grow to deeper levels of ability. While exams were rarely enjoyable, they were often profitable. I don’t remember students celebrating tests, but I could clearly see their progress.
God desires our development as mature followers of Jesus. In His perfect wisdom, He designs our paths to include exactly what we need for further sanctification.
An old saint expressed it well:
“More progress is made in the Christian life through disappointment and tears than is ever made through success and laughter. The winds of tribulation blow away the chaff of error, hypocrisy, and doubt, leaving that which survives the test—the genuine element of Christian character.”
With a biblical worldview, we learn to think differently about hardship. We may be tempted to see difficulties as bad luck or misfortune, but our minds need the constant truth of God’s Word to renew and strengthen us day by day.
Question to Consider
Will you thank God for His perfect plan in your life? Will you give thanks for His loving purpose to transform you for His glory?
Prayer Prompt
Ask God to use every trial as a point of growth. Ask Him to grant you spiritual understanding as you walk this journey of faith.
