Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. (James 1:2–4)
Trials and tests come that impact our patience and give it a chance to grow (do they ever!). As patience begins to develop, strong character is cultivated, moving us ever onward toward maturity. There is no shortcut! But by refusing to squirm out of your problems, you find yourself becoming the man or woman you have always wanted to be. And did you notice that little tidbit of advice? “Then be happy [there’s that reminder again!] . . . for when the way is rough . . . you will be ready for anything . . . .” No major change will shock you.
Progress is maintained when we . . .
1. Forget yesterday’s glory and grind
2. Focus on tomorrow’s challenging opportunities
3. Keep the right attitude
4. Remember we are in it together.
In all honesty, I am convinced that that is a winning game plan for hanging tough . . . and loving it. In fact, I suggest you duplicate that formula on a small sheet of paper of a three-by-five card and tape into your bathroom mirror or clip it to the sun visor of your car. Repeat it until it gets transferred to your memory and becomes you motto for the month. I have begun doing that, and do you what what? You guessed it—I’ve started to laugh again.
Let’s lock arms and “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward of God in Christ Jesus.” Is it a deal?
An edited adaption from Charles R. Swindoll, Laugh Again: Experience Outrageous Joy (Thomas Nelson, 1995), Page 150.
