Perseverance in Trials

Introduction

In the 8th and 9th grades I ran track. Races were still measured in yards then not meters. I specialized in longer short races particularly the 440 yard dash (as it was called then; today it is the 400 m run). My very first day of practice in the 8th grade was not what I thought it would be. I thought we would run and he would see who was fast and we would start immediately working on trying to run faster. Coach Rust was an amazing man. He worked with developmentally delayed children in school. He was a man of great patience. The very first day was spent explaining the process and stretching and exercising. We did a little bit of running around the football field. A couple of laps and then some more explaining and another couple of laps. That was pretty much it.

The second day was much more intense. Sore muscles from the day before meant more stretching and exercising. Then came the fun part. There were too many boys wanting to run track. Only so many slots. So how do you decide who stays and who doesn’t. Coach Rust didn’t measure by speed, he measured by heart. He divided us into groups of 12 or so, placed us on the end line of the football field and had us run 100 yards as fast as we could. This was to discern who were the fastest. After 2 of those, we then moved into 220 yard sprints; then came 440 yard sprints and then came 880 yard races (half a mile) and then culminating the day in a one mile run. Exhausted we went home while Coach Rust decided who should stay and who should go. The third day there were fewer boys and we did it all over again. By the fourth day there were just very few boys and then the work really began.

What was Coach Rust teaching? Perseverance in trials. He was more interested in who would stick it out than he was in who was the fastest. He could teach technique; he could train a runner for a particular race; what he could not do was instill perseverance. Only the boy could do that. Today we are going to look at trials, perseverance, and maturity. They go together. We don’t necessarily like them, but they are part of our spiritual experience and growth in this world.

Trials

James begins his letter in a very logical place—reminding those who have been persecuted that trials are a natural part of life. James is writing to those who have given up home, comfort, and some sense of security because of their faith. These persecutions have not just resulted in having to move but have led some to doubt their commitment and the price that is being paid for their faith. As we will see not all have suffered economically. Verses 9-11 illustrate that those who are wealthy can have misplaced confidence in their wealth. A subject that James will return to later.

But the point of our text is that all kinds of trials are a normal part of life. Jesus had said as much in John 16:33 in one of his final words before his death, he assured us that troubles are a part of life, but that he has overcome the world. James turns the view of what Jesus said just a bit so that how we think about these trials is the focus of this opening section. Instead of regarding these trials as a time to complain and whine, find these times as a time to express joy.

Express joy in the face of trials seems to be out of touch with reality. Joy and trials do not go together, but James gives us a reason for such joy. The trial allows us to develop perseverance or endurance. Such perseverance results in spiritual maturity. James is telling us that trials are welcome because they help us come closer to the intent of God for our lives. As believers this is what we want—we want to be the kind of person God wants us to be. These trials are a part of living in this world.

Notice how James connects verses 4 and 5 with the word “lack.” The trials develop perseverance so that we can become mature and not lack anything. But if we find in the course of these trials that we lack wisdom about how to deal with these trials, then seek God’s help to have that wisdom. Ask in faith and confidence that God will give you what you need to deal with the trial. For these who had been dispersed because of persecution such words were intended to empower them to greater faith. God has not abandoned them and is willing to provide wisdom to deal with these trials.

Verses 9-11 seem out of place, but contextually make sense. Instead of seeking God’s wisdom, some will place their trust in their wealth. Such a placement for faith will only result in disappointment. Wealth doesn’t last; God’s wisdom does. And just in case, the reader has missed the point, James ends this section with a reminder of the connection between trials and perseverance. The man who perseveres under trial will receive God’s crown of life. To the one who demonstrates faith in the face of trials goes the victor’s crown—eternal life with God.

Application

Trials come to us all. None of us are exempt. The emphasis is on how we think about trials. Trials are to be viewed as opportunities rather than to complain about them. Trials are an opportunity to demonstrate our faith; to mature; to endure. I like the way G.K. Chesterton put it, “I believe in getting into hot water. I think it keeps you clean.” But how do we do that? How do we change the way we think about trials? How is it possible to find joy in trials?

Let me suggest some things that may help.

First, focus on the outcome. With a trial, our focus tends to be on the discomfort and pain of the event. But if we shifted our focus to the outcome, then the discomfort and pain can be kept in perspective. I will admit some trials do not have an obvious outcome. In such cases we remember that the outcome is to become spiritually mature.

    (1) Athletes remember that the trial of getting in shape is so that they can perform well in the arena. Students understand that to do well in school means remaining focused on the outcome.

    (2) The trial of disease or financial challenges are different. That is when we focus on the outcome.

Second, pray. When we are not sure about how things are going to turn out, then we turn to God seeking his wisdom and strength. I’m talking about wrestling with God like Jacob. I’m talking about pouring out your heart like Job. I’m talking about sweating like Jesus. I’m talking about a prayer that enters into a struggle with God so that we have no doubt about our strength.

Third, persevere. Each day is one step closer to being with God. Each day provides a new opportunity to honor Father.

     (1) James reminds us that the crown of life is from God and it comes at the end of life not in this one. The reward is life. The victor's crown is life. Trials are our opportunity to show God's wisdom and goodness and to reveal our faith. How are you doing with your trials? Do you complain? Do you whine? Or do you wrestle with God and seek his wisdom? Is your focus on completing the task?

     (2) Coach Rust was a really good coach. After he had culled those who didn't see the joy in the trial, he then decided who would run what event. And then came the training. To train to run 440 yards I would run 5 laps then walk one; run four then walk one; run three then walk one and so forth. The idea was if you ran 15 laps in practice being timed on three of those then when it came time to the actual race one lap was nothing. This was running maturity. When you have gone through a trial and begged God for wisdom and been able to get through the trial then you know you have matured. Invitation.

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