Back to James, what an amazing and convicting book of the Bible. I have really been impacted by our church Bible study going through James. "Count it all joy" or "Consider it pure joy" is a short but powerful phrase I keep repeating to myself. It is followed by "whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." These past several weeks (going on 2 months) my family has been sick with various colds, flu's, infections and allergies. It has not been fun! Lots of lost sleep, lack of energy and the cooped up feeling of not leaving home as often. Not to mention it made it difficult for our family to go to church together. Usually it meant Caleb or I would have to take turns staying home with the kids.
I know this probably isn't exactly what James was talking about. But for me it is a reminder to have a good attitude despite my frustration, exhaustion and overwhelmed feeling. Don't misinterpret me though, it has been a struggle, and I have done my share of complaining. But when I think about this passage I am reminded that we are not guaranteed a life free of difficulty but maybe instead a life full of suffering (hence the "when you face trials" not "if you face trials"). This may be my trial this month, but my response should be (and those of believers) to persevere without complaining and to praise God in the midst of this uncomfortable and exhausting time.
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