How can I consider it joy when I am going through hard times? It all depends on the goal. If the goal of my life is to be happy and comfortable, then hard times are not a reason to rejoice – but then again – I will basically have a very disappointing life – because life is not always happy and promises discomfort. If my goal is to be complete, mature, healthy and whole – then hard times and trials are like working out my muscles: they are necessary pain for my growth. I can’t grow without hard times. They are not easy to go through, but my goal is to be complete in Christ alone.
http://nlt.scripturetext.com/james/1.htm
