If you want to live an effective Christian life, then you can expect it to be full of trials. That is the normal Christian experience. James says that when these trials come our way, we should not allow them to get on top of us or think of them as a reason to doubt God’s goodness, but should “consider them joy” because God uses them to develop perseverance in us.

“ 2 Consider it 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.” James 1:2-4

Perseverance is a key character trait for Christians. You must keep going. That means keep on regularly meeting with other believers, keep on reading your Bible daily, keep on spending time in prayer, and keep on trusting the Lord that he will see you through whatever trials might come your way. God will use your perseverance to make you mature in Him. More than that though, later in James 1, there is a great promise given for those who persevere. “12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12.