James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)

I have found these verses to be so true in my own life. I remember, way back when I was just starting out my life as an adult, how I found these verses so confusing, because they did not seem to match up with the "reality" I saw when I looked around me. I felt that the trials I was facing were not producing perseverance in me - I was ready to give up! The problem was my perspective. I did not have enough life experience yet to be able to look at the longer-term perspective I can view now.

Looking back over the 45 years I have behind me now, I see that those particular trials, along with many others over the course of my life, have been developing perseverance within me. Even the word "develops" is important, because it shows the way in which this is an ongoing process. I do not yet have the degree of perseverance that should have or that I would like to have, but I am now closer to that goal than I was 25 years ago.

Just imagine what it would be like if we could look at our trials from God's perspective. He sees our entire lives, and all of eternity. My perspective has changed so much by being able to look back at 45 years instead of 20 years. How much more would it change if I could see all of eternity.

Father, please continue your work in my life. I do so much want to be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If trials are what is needed to get to that point, then I will try to welcome the trials in my life instead of resenting them. Help me to consider them pure joy, because they are getting me closer to that goal of being more like you.