Read: James 1:2-12
Count it all joy. (v. 2)
Running involves perseverance and suffering. As many people say, nobody looks like they’re having fun when they’re running. But when they finish, if you ask them how they feel, they’d say, “Awesome!” And if you take away a runner’s ability to run—as happened to me two years ago—it hurts. Why? Because suffering in running is worth it when crossing the finish line. I consider it pure joy to lace up running shoes and go out for a hard run, even if it involves some pain.
Steadfastness is a muscle that strengthens as it’s used. We’d all love a carefree life with no trials, but that’s impossible, so what we need is what James describes: the ability to stand up when suffering—to bend and not break. “And let steadfastness have its full effect,” James says, “that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (v. 4). The goal isn’t just perseverance—it’s that we become whole and complete. When we learn to stand up under trial, something happens to us. Our character changes. God goes to work in us, and we become completely different people than we were before.
Always consider the purpose of suffering in every trial. Whatever you’re going through, you can be hopeful because God’s at work in your suffering, and he’s promised you his help. It won’t take away the pain of your suffering, but it’ll give you hope in the middle of it. And, with God’s help, you’ll be able to not only stand but to rejoice.
As you pray, ask how you can find joy in your suffering.
Ariana D. Den Bleyker is a Pittsburgh native currently residing in New York’s Hudson Valley. She is the author of two devotional poetry collections,To Be Held by the LightandWaking in the Light. She is an ordained deacon in the Reformed Church of America.
