Identifying with Jesus

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” –James 1:2-3

Let’s face it. None of us really enjoy pain. Okay, maybe there are a few sick people who do enjoy it temporarily. I tend to remember a few tough guy contests some friends and I had in college, but that was temporary and we could quit at any time.

Whether its physical or emotional pain, the simple truth is that it hurts. It is tough to see anything good in it, and yet James tells us to “Consider it pure joy when we face trials?” Maybe I’m leaping a bit here to equate trials and pain, but I think we’d agree that most trials at the very least include pain. So what good comes of trials? Over the next few devotionals, I’ll look at some supporting Scriptures that show us the value.

The first value is quite simple: When we face trials, we identify with Jesus. Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV) says:

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Jesus perfected our faith through the cross, which would have not only been physical pain, but also emotional pain (shame), and certainly spiritual pain (separation from God) as well. When we face our trials, we know that Jesus walked in a world full of trials and pain as well. He was not immune from suffering, but rather embraced it so that we may find God’s grace.

In your time of trial, remember that God understands your pain. He went before us to the cross so that we would have strength to carry our crosses daily.