From the Pastor’s Desk – Count It All Joy

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – James 1:2-4 (ESV) 

One of the great perks of ministry is the ability to share moments where we see God actively at work, something we call “ministry joys.” Such a joy occurred in my last congregation, yet the place it happened is one few people would associate with “joy”: a hospital. In most cases, the patients (or their family) I visit at hospitals tend to have negative emotions. They may be afraid, impatient, frustrated, confused, annoyed, or maybe even hopeless. So, when I got the call about this particular patient who was about to begin treatment with uncertain results, I figured I’d encounter at least one of these emotions. 

…boy, was I wrong. 

As I opened the patient’s door wondering if he was even awake or wanting to talk, I was greeted with a smile: “Pastor, it’s great to have you here.” Sitting fully upright, he got up from his hospital bed and walked me over to the room window which offered a full view of downtown Milwaukee. “Isn’t this view amazing?” He asked, with that same, warm smile. As I resonated with his excitement, I couldn’t help but contrast his emotion with the state of his health: cancer. In this patient’s case, the cancer is life-threatening, and the treatment will not be pleasant nor guarantee his recovery.

As we encounter trials of various kinds in our lives, we have little trouble finding reasons for voicing fear, frustration, and even hopelessness. And, given the circumstances of our patient, one would have every reason for such. In his case, there is no promise for his pain to ease, no promise that his condition will improve, and certainly no promise his health will recover. 

Ultimately, when we encounter any trial, we are faced with two choices. The first choice is the aforementioned: complaining, bitterness, and doubt. The second choice, on the other hand, is what James has to offer: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you experience trials of various kinds.” 

Joy. Reason alone cannot receive a trial with joy; only faith can do this. And when our faith is set on the One who remained steadfast for our salvation through His own suffering, the One whose grace is sufficient for us daily, and the One who perfects us in all of our weaknesses, we are able to endure each trial with joy. 

Such faith was seen in our patient, a faith which not only produced steadfastness, but also desired to be shared with everyone who entered the room (Apparently, every doctor and nurse who checked on him had not left without hearing about Jesus.). 

As we enter times of trial, we become acutely aware of what we lack. Like our patient however, Jesus invites you to believe that no matter the pain, the loss, or the uncertainly of the future, His grace is sufficient to help us endure. In weakness, His strength is sufficient. In pain, His comfort is sufficient. In fear, His peace, which goes beyond all human reasoning, is sufficient. And, even near death, His promised eternal life will soon come. But, until then, faith shows us how we lack nothing in Christ Jesus and find every reason to be joyful. 

Let’s pray: Father, thank You for making us more like You as we face trials. And thank You for remaining with us in them. Remind us daily that You are enough to meet all of our needs and help us find them in You. We commend our trials and all we face into the more than capable hands of Jesus and pray in His name. Amen.