Count It All Joy!

By Still I Will! Ministries

Scripture:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

— James 1:2–4 (NIV)

When James tells us to “count it all joy” in the face of trials, it almost feels backwards. How can we find joy in the midst of pain, sickness, disappointment, or uncertainty? Our natural instinct is to resist hardship, not rejoice in it. Yet, James calls us to a higher perspective—one that looks beyond the trial itself and sees what God is doing through it.

Every challenge we face becomes an opportunity for growth. The testing of our faith is not meant to destroy us, but to strengthen us. Perseverance is forged in the fire of adversity. God uses these moments to shape us into mature believers—steady, steadfast, and complete in Him. Without trials, our faith would remain shallow. With them, we are pressed deeper into Christ.

Joy, then, is not found in the trial itself, but in the promise of what the trial produces. We rejoice because we know our suffering is not wasted. God is at work in every valley, using every hardship as a tool to refine us, draw us closer to Him, and prepare us for greater things ahead.

Reflection

Think about a time when you went through something difficult but, looking back, you can see how God used it for your good. Did it strengthen your faith? Did it teach you patience? Did it reveal His presence in a new way? That is the kind of joy James is describing—joy that sees beyond the present pain to the eternal purpose.

Prayer

Father, help me to see my trials through the eyes of faith. When life gets hard, remind me that You are producing perseverance within me. Teach me to trust Your refining process, knowing that You are making me complete in Christ. Give me the courage to count it all joy, even in the hardest moments, because I know You are with me and working for my good. Amen.

With Unshakable Hope,

Scott Folsom