James lays great stress on faith. Trials both prove our faith (to be authentic) and improve our faith (strengthen). Our journey in this world is by faith in our King and His kingdom, and that journey can be an arduous one. Yet the light is not merely at the end of the tunnel; it is with us in the tunnel directing us in the way of righteousness, and dispelling the darkness to give us peace and joy.
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
But let patience have its perfect work,
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
(James 1:2–4, NKJV)
When my children were little we would sometimes eat at McDonald’s, back in the day when the Happy Meal prizes were impressive, even collector’s items. One of those prizes was an Inspector Gadget figurine that was assembled by parts found in various Happy Meals. Each part, such as an arm or a leg, had its own unique function, and when assembled made a complete Inspector Gadget.
James gives us that sort of picture for how the Spirit of God is building us to be like Jesus. Various trials that we encounter in the course of our lives are unique opportunities to contribute to the whole of becoming like Jesus.
That’s why when we face trials of various kinds, intensities, and durations we can consider it all joy.