Do you sometimes wonder if whatever it is you’re going through, worth it?
We all go through tough times - we’re not debating that - but what are we to do when they come?
James says we should count it as an opportunity for joy! What an odd word to use.
JOY
Really?!?
Joy - as in contentment from within. Calm delight. Joy.
To be able to count trouble as joy is gonna take a whole ‘nother level of understanding!!
I mean, we can all agree that we learn things when we go through difficult situations. We can all agree that nothing truly worthwhile will be easy.
But to say we should be joyful when we’re being put through the ringer? Wow.
To ask that I should look forward to enduring the difficult process of something, is not exactly helping me to want it!
Seriously. . . Who wants trials and difficulties? What kind of sick mind asks for trouble?!?!
Am I to believe that trouble should be laughed at?
Am I being asked to remain happy no matter what?
Am I to believe that I should just shrug off whatever it is as unimportant “in the grand scheme of things” - you know, in the light of eternity?
Is he saying it’s a chance to prove that with God’s help, I’m stronger than anything that can be thrown at me?
I’m not an MMA fighter!!
I’m not a superhero!
I’m not one of those type people that need a challenge in order to feel alive!!
Yet I’m told to consider these times to be an opportunity for joy.
Once again - WOW - does James really know what he’s asking of me?!?
That’s almost like saying that God allows us to have bad days on purpose.
I can’t help but think “Wait, I didn’t signup for this - I just didn’t want to go to hell!”
So, I’m to rejoice when - not if - trouble and trials and tribulations come my way.
Ok, let’s step back - take a breath - and consider what’s being asked of us and why.
Although hard to imagine, can we get a handle on the fact that it’s not about us?!
You see, that’s where the rub is - we somehow think we deserve better.
We think we have rights. We believe it should be easier. We demand there be justice.
