“Knowing”

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2–3)

“And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;” (Romans 5:3)

When I was a high school athlete, I did not have a vision about the importance of lifting weights and practice. When I heard a coach mentioning practice or working out, my first thoughts were, “Oh no!” Because of my lack of vision and understanding, I truly believe I did not reach my potential as an athlete.

When we think of tribulations and temptations/trials it is easy to say to ourselves, “Oh no!” But when three of the key apostles in the New Testament, Peter, James and Paul mentioned tribulations or temptations/trials in their writings, they were either rejoicing or exulting that they were encountering these adversities. When I read their responses, it is easy to think to myself these guys are either crazy or they knew something I do not know.

Well, I have come to believe these guys know something I do not know. In fact, the Apostle Paul and the Apostle James declared that our their ability to exult and rejoice, came out of the truth that trials and tribulations were an awesome opportunity. Notice James says, “knowing that testing of your faith produces endurance…that you may be perfect, complete, lacking in nothing”. Then Paul declares, “knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance (endurance)…that we may have hope and not be disappointed”. In 1 Peter 1:6-8, Peter said, the testing of our faith is more precious than gold and that it may result in praise, glory and honor.

By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, these guys sound like coaches getting us ready for an athletic event. In fact, that is exactly what they are doing. When we know that our God is working to cause all things to work out for our good and we participate with Him, the adversities we face in this life are opportunities for us to be trained as spiritual athletes. As a result, we will fulfill our destiny as growing into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. Consider these truths about Jesus.

“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.” (Hebrews 2:10)

“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered.” (Hebrews 5:8)