Trials, August 14
Written by Elvin McLin
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4 NIV).
Remember removing the training wheels from your child’s bike? Odds are that you anticipated some frustration, tears, and maybe a skinned knee. (Not you—the kid!) So why do it? Because the joyful feeling of riding a two-wheel bike down a hill with the breeze in your face is worth it. We like to gauge trials based on, “Is the struggle worth it?”
Today’s verse is suggesting that instead of expecting joy at the end of the trial, consider it pure joy—that’s right, pure joy—to have a trial in your life. Really? Be joyful when you have a trial? Even cancer?
What ran through your mind when you heard a cancer diagnosis for the very first time? I am sure some of the first words you uttered were not, “Thanks be to God—I have cancer.” They surely weren’t mine. Can you imagine your friend’s reaction if you ran home screaming at the top of your lungs, “I got cancer! Let’s celebrate! Prepare the grain-fed fatted calf. Serve the finest of wine imported from Napa Valley, California! Let’s feast for the pure joy of this occasion!”
How can a cancer diagnosis be joyous? Today’s verse tells us to be joyous because trials test your faith. Think of all the prayers for protection and guidance that you have lifted up so you will NOT have trials. Now God is telling you to have pure joy because your trial is so big it will test your faith. Fortunately, the scripture does not leave you there. Whether you like it or not, your test of faith will bring you perseverance.
Think of learning to ride a bike as a test, or trial. After falling off the bike for the first time, will your child get back on the bike and try again? If they do, they will have taken the first step in developing perseverance. The more they fall off the bike, the more they are tested, and the more perseverance they gain when they get back on. But they gain one more thing. The true power of perseverance is not in your accomplishment, but in the realization that you are an overcomer.
But today’s verse takes this one more step. Your cancer struggles are not simply testing your strength, they are testing your faith. Only, this test brings a perseverance where you can look back and say, “God got me through that; He will certainly get me through this.” And here we have finally discovered the reason why God tells us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials. Enduring trials pours into your soul the truth of how big your God is. He was just as big before your trial, but now this sweet truth of His might has grown within you.
I have found during my own cancer journey that the trials of surgeries, medications, and fears, coupled with much help from the Lord, have certainly proven this scripture true. My faith in the Lord has grown beyond my wildest imagination. I am even sharing my excitement with you! Will you trust Jesus to do the same for you?
Pray: Lord, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight—my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen. (See Psalm 19:14.)
Your Turn: Listen to the words of Graham Kendrick's song, “Consider It Joy”: "Though trials will come, don't fear, don't run ... for God is at work in us." How will you handle your next trial? If it is hard for you right now to embrace joy, will you hold onto the hope of seeing His hand at work in you in the days to come?
Elvin K. McLin, Cancer Survivor
Elvin is the husband of Dominique. They live in Ellisville, Missouri where they share five beautiful adult children and five beautiful grandchildren. Elvin is an entrepreneur who began his journey with cancer in 2019 with stage three and stage four kidney cancer. As he was healing from the first encounter with cancer, another battle with cancer reared itself in the form of prostate cancer. Elvin has been welcomed by Cancer Companions to become a member of the Board of Directors.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
