No one likes to suffer under any circumstances, but in today’s reading James talks about considering it “pure joy” when we face trouble. James 1:2-3 says, 2 Consider it pure joy, my brother, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Notice how James does not say “if“, but “whenever” you face trials. We will all face trials of many kinds throughout our lives, but “joy” implies having a positive outlook because of the potential learning these trials can have in our lives. Ultimately, if we allow it, trials can lead us to develop perseverance (also called patience and steadfastness) in our lives.