Count It All Joy, Really?

I was walking around when this scripture popped in my head: "Count it all joy" (James 1:2)

Seeing that I'm learning to apply context to the scriptures I recall, I'm going to post the surrounding scriptures to further explain the meaning:

1)James,  a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

Trials and Temptations

2) Consider the pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3) because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4) Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5) If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6) But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7) That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8) Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Life is hard. That is undeniable. Thinking back over the last few months, it has been difficult to count everything towards the betterment of my progress. When considering the things people have said and done, as a believer, it's easy to ask God, why did you allow this? They say hindsight is 20-20. I'm looking back and such incidents are still crappy, still jacked up. They are probably less strenuous compared to other people's experiences, but taxing on the spirit, none the less. I'm certain if I could go back, I would have probably said something differently, done something more spiteful just to have my way. The funny thing is though it looks bad, I do recall a few people reminding me (in their own way) that people will be people and life slows down for no one. Someone took the time to inform me of what was to be ahead. Though it was difficult to accept, it was quite appreciative to know someone was looking out for me.

That's what James was doing for the twelve tribes of Israel (decedents of Jacob). He was reminding them to "count it all joy", despite the "trials of many kinds" because God has the ultimate say so in the matter. When you have someone to reiterate the timeless promise that even though things are heavy, they are not meant for you to carry alone, it grants you assurance. You get to transfer your load to someone completely qualified. Honestly, as a believer, it's okay to question the situation because all you see is what's in front of you. It's also okay to questions God when seeking truth and the meaning behind it. You might not understand it, but by you digging dipper, you may come to the conclusion that it's only necessary to receive and not always comprehend. You'll be placing more trust in the messenger opposed to the message itself. It's like listening to a politician. One can say the same thing as another, but what makes a difference is the reputation of the one saying it. 

So before you completely stick to the idea that the world is and forever will be against you, remind yourself of who's totally for you. If it wasn't for the confrontations I had, my skin wouldn't be thicker to handle similar situations in the future. It's like walking through a hail storm to get to safety. Your objective is getting where you need to be, despite what's hitting you from all directions. There will be wind, rain and high waters, but there is always a way to maintain during the storm. When disaster strikes, new ways to maintain during future situations are put into practice. You can't stop the opposition, but you sure can protect yourself...and what better way to do so than to put on the full armor of God. They key word in verse 2 of James 1 is whenever. He doesn't say if, but whenever. The word whenever (Oxford Languages) means "at whatever time; on whatever occasion (emphasizing a lack of restriction)." God could easily prevent a lot of things from happening. If He does, how would we learn to trust Him? 

If you can, list all the major events in your life leading up to now. As painful as they have been, do you consider yourself stronger for it? If not, it's time to acknowledge your strength, for you have it...and you need to use it. There's strength in seeking wisdom. There's strength in having your faith tested. There is strength in maturity and evolving into what God created you to be. There is strength in looking back and counting it all joy, all good, for "all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)." Instead of  only pointing out what happened to you, take notice of you happening to the world...with your perseverance.