Joy in Trials

The book of James tells us "to consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,..."  Many Christians can come under condemnation if they do not differentiate between being joyful for the nature of the trial, and being joyful in the process of the trial. This is supported by Paul when he speaks in  1 Thessalonians  of "giving thanks in all circumstances." Notice that it is "in" the circumstances and not "for" the circumstances.

We are strange people indeed if we rejoice in the tragedy of the event eg loss of a loved one or home etc.

However, as we trust in God through the process of dealing with the tragedy, we can be joyful in the knowledge that our faith in God  will be developing in us a perserverace that leads to maturity.