Trials

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4

It is James’ conviction that trial is meant to produce character (1:2-4). Trial produces steadfastness, which in Greek is hupomone. Hupomone was far more than the patience which sits down and endures. It was the Greek word for “a masculine constancy under trial.”

It is the Christ-given ability to turn tragedy into triumph, always to see the glory beyond the gloom, always to be able to trace the rainbow through the rain.

Barclay, William. 1992. A Beginner’s Guide to the New Testament. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press., pg 81