James 1:2
James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Life is indeed in stages, and for one to advance from one level to another, one must undergo a form of testing or examination. A child is not promoted if he or she does not pass the prerequisites for the next class. This can only be achieved when that child goes through an exam, which is usually not an easy task. Students do not find exams pleasant and palatable because they require rigorous preparation. Life, however, tests us unexpectedly, regardless of whether we are prepared or not. These unpleasant experiences with which life tests us elicit diverse responses from every individual. We might not have control over the turn of events, but how we respond goes a long way to determining what will happen in our lives eventually. Apostle James, in the above Bible verse, tells us how, as believers, we should respond when we are being tried with bad experiences. Usually, when bad things happen, we tend to think and talk in the negative. James expects that believers have an entirely different perspective on the way we view and approach trying moments. As emotional beings, we cannot be happy when we are in an unpleasant situation. But God expects us to realize that there is a purpose for those trials, and we rejoice because their occurrence is for a greater good. We should realize that our maturity in becoming more like Christ is dependent on our response to the trials that we face. Therefore, we should cultivate a positive attitude regarding trials and see them as opportunities to grow into God’s ideal man – Christ.
Acts 13:52
And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
Isaiah 61:10
I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, my soul shall exult in my God.
Psalm 68:3
But the righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy.
Ecclesiastes 3:4
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.