Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 
And let steadfastness have its full effect, 
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1: 2-4 ESV) 

We all have days when we feel stretched beyond a reasonable limit. Often the stretching occurs with multiple demands for our time and attention, and we ask ourselves, “How are we going to get everything done and done correctly?” 

In addition to getting everything done, there are many other challenges, such as when we experience a negative outcome after investing significant time and energy into an activity or project. But James tells us in today’s verses that we should welcome all of life’s challenges and trials, regardless of what they are, because it is through these trials and testing that we grow and become more steadfast in our faith. 

Just as physical exercise strengthens our bodies, our various trials can strengthen our faith walk with the Lord. And through a stronger and closer faith walk with the Lord, we become more steadfast and complete, lacking in nothing and able to shine His light for all to see. 

"If we desire our faith to be strengthened, 
we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried, 
and therefore, through trial, be strengthened." ~ George Müller