"Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith works out endurance. But let endurance have its work complete, that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything."
- James 1:2-4
Each of us is being faced with trials in one way or another. Each of us has its own way of coping. To some, trials may seem an insurmountable obstacle that get in their way, while to others, they are obstacles that can be conquered.
Running away from trials may be detrimental to one's self-worth and integrity. It may lead one to more troubles as he tries to veer to another direction in an attempt to avoid the difficult situation, or just chickens out and cowers in a corner, refusing to do anything to correct the situation or to just bravely accept it if there's no remedy at all. Such person will never develop qualities that are vital for success and survival. He will never learn to surmount trials and difficulties that keep coming his way, which are inevitable. He remains weak and cowardly, unable to go through life's dangerous waters.
On the other hand, one who braves trials squarely will have success in traversing life's stormy waters. It may be hard at the onset, but as he keeps doing it, he will gain mastery over difficult situations, and it will be easier for him to tackle heavier trials that would besiege him later. On top of it, he will develop priceless qualities that enable him to move on to his life's journey and achieve self-fulfillment. The quality of his faith will have been tested, which would, in turn, yield endurance. When he is able to endure everything, "he will become complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything."
So then, we have reasons to be joyful when we encounter trials, knowing that such trials provide us an opportunity to prove our faith and our self-worth, and to develop a wealth of good qualities that will refine us and make us complete.
