Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds. James 1:2

During WWII, Great Britain missionary Eric Barker was forced to send his wife and eight children, along with his sister and her three children from the adverse conditions in Portugal. While being evacuated on a ship to England, Barker stayed behind another week to preach. Speaking to the congregation, he said, “I’ve just received word that all my family have arrived safely home.” He then continued the service, until the congregation realized what he intended. Just before the meeting, Baker was informed that a submarine had torpedoed the ship that his family was on where no one survived.

Was Baker heartless or hopeful? According to Paul, suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4). Baker knew his entire family were believers and were at home with the Lord. Trials like these test and validate our faith, only to strengthen us in the end (Nehemiah 8:10). Trials reveal the depth of our character by testing how we respond, whether in liquor or in the Lord through prayer (James 1:5; Philippians 3:1). Don’t mistake joy for not being able to weep, however. Even Jesus wept. In fact, Scripture maintains there is a time to mourn (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Yet, do so with great joy because no matter how bad it gets, you know as a believer that you will “arrive safely home.”

Happiness depends on happenings; joy depends on Christ. – Anonymous