Finding The Good In Bad Times

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11) Have you ever had the bottom drop out of life? Suddenly and without warning, one problem after another comes tumbling into your life. And then when it seems completely hopeless, like there is no way out, everything improves.Why does God allow calamities into our lives as Christians? Why does God allow tragedy into the life of the believer? Why do experience trials? James addresses these questions in the first chapter of his letter. But the first thing he tells us is, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" (verse 2).What kind of thing is that to say to someone who is suffering? And what does it mean? Is it like saying to someone who is going through really hard times, "Don't worry, be happy"? Is that what James is saying? Yes and no. I think he encourages us to rejoice. But there is a reason for what he is saying. James is not suggesting that we should necessarily be experiencing some awesome emotion of joy or happiness in our times of hardship. He isn’t demanding that we must enjoy our trials in life. James is not saying that trials themselves are a joy, because usually they are not. But he does say, "Count it all joy." He is saying, "Make a deliberate and careful decision to experience joy in your troubles and trials." It is not easy, but it is possible.You see, there are lessons to be learned during times of trial. Almost all of them are lessons that can only be learned through times of trials. Just remember, they won't last forever, but the love of Christ will :)