September 30.
Count All The Problems

James 1:2

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.

The book of James is a book of behavior. In contrast, the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are all books that teach us the plan of salvation. James says, “My brethren.” He wants us to know we are in the same family. We are related. We have been purchased by the same blood. The book is written to saved folk. It is written to people that love the Lord and have been born again, blood washed saints. And saved folk need encouragement. Many times we pretend that we are strong, but when a crisis shows up, weaknesses surface in our lives. But James says to count it all joy when problems arise.

The word count in the Greek text comes from the idea of having a spreadsheet. When you are ready to declare your assets and liabilities, you lay out a spreadsheet and list your assets on one side and your liabilities on the other side. It is the same way with life. You put your assets on one side and your liabilities on the other and see which one balances out the scales. For instance, the accident you had last week was a liability. The raise you got last month was an asset. Suppose you had a child you didn’t plan or want. However, think of what the child will do for you. The child is going to teach you discipline with your money, time, and sleep. The child will teach you selflessness. You cannot spend every dime on you now; you must share it.

But James said, “Don’t do that.” He says to count it all. When these things happen in your life, liken it to having a casette recorder. When you’re not where you want to be, you press fast forward. If you are going through trouble now, don’t sit back and grumble and complain and have pity parties; hit the fast forward button. Life won’t always be the way it is now. When God allows the stuff to happen, He has a bigger picture in mind. Problems are assets.