I tried to reconcile the reality of this minister’s situation with the Scripture. Was there a verse that would indicate that the difficulties were there to spur him on to bigger and better things? As I began to meditate on what was happening my mind kept going back to James 1:2-4. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

But that wasn’t the verse I was looking for. It didn’t mention that trials were necessary to move us out of one circumstance into another. It didn’t even mention that the difficulties would eventually lead us to a peaceful place. Quite the opposite, it instructs us to joyfully receive trials as a welcome teacher who will work with us where we are to produce a godly patience that will grow us into the fullness of Jesus Christ.

Have you experienced the bite of trials and tribulation? Are you presently in a situation that is so stressful and burdensome that you long for a place of rest, peace, and ease? You are not alone and aren’t the first one to be there! Your company includes the likes of young David who was pursued by his enemies many times seeking his total destruction. Paul’s pilgrimage was full of distressing challenges, ridicule, physical abuse, poverty, and all manner of hardship. Jesus never spoke one lie, wished no harm to any soul, nor did anything out of selfish motive or ambition, yet He was mistreated and tortured to death as no living being has ever experienced before or since. Has someone deceived you into thinking that because of your state in life or goodness you deserve better treatment and a more comfortable existence than these just mentioned?

Oh my brothers and sisters, look carefully to that shaky ground beneath your feet, and do not revile that tender soil you are privileged to stand upon. Unless you know the depth and pain of trial and trouble you will fail to become the full man or woman God has in mind. That difficulty is not to destroy you or leave you beaten on a godless plain. It is for your good, that you might discover the ocean of patience, that though unseen by most, surrounds God’s good earth. Swim in this ocean and you will mature and grow complete, lacking nothing of true eternal value.

Count it all joy, a gift, when troubles and trials come at you from all directions. Let patience finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. When you come out on the other side, tell someone what great things God has done!