The Blessing of Trials

September 17th, 2026
by Lance Waldie

James 5:10-11 As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.

Returning to the topic of patience in the midst of persecution, turmoil, or other difficulties (vv. 7-8), James uses the OT prophets as examples of godly men who endured under trial. Though James does not use any specific examples, we might recall that the prophet Amos was sent by God from Judah in the south to preach to the rich in Israel in the north who were oppressing their fellow Israelites. How did Amos fare? Israel’s leaders slandered and expunged him! Likewise, Jeremiah suffered for simply speaking the words of God. Not only did the Jews despise his prophecies, at least three of the Judean kings (Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah) also rejected him and treated him harshly. Also Isaiah, who was believed to have been sawn in two for his faithfulness (cf. Heb. 11:37). Why were they persecuted so harshly? Simply because they “spoke in the name of the Lord.” So by obeying God and doing His will, these prophets serve as an “example” (Gr. hupodeigma) of how righteous behavior often results in suffering.

Though James uses “patience” in v. 10 to describe the prophets and “endurance” in v. 11 to describe Job, the two words are synonymous. Job’s endurance is akin to the prophets’ patience because Job’s faith was unmoved during his nightmarish ordeal. Yes, Job spoke self-righteously, complained about his physical state, and demanded an audience with God so he could argue his case, namely that he was suffering unjustly. But in spite of this, he never abandoned his faith. Even though he was confused as to why God would allow him to suffer so greatly, he relied upon God to sustain him and never lost confidence in Him (1:21; 2:10; 16:19-21; 19:25-27).

James speaks of “the outcome (Gr. telos) of the Lord’s dealings” with Job—the “purpose” of those sufferings in v. 11. That purpose was for both the refinement of Job’s character and for an example for all who read his account that God is faithful in the midst of our trials. Since Job learned this and saw God for who He truly is (Job 42:5-6), it is clear that God’s purpose was accomplished through Job’s sufferings. So now Job’s account is an ideal example for Christians. God gives His people trials for His own ends—His glory and our gain. In fact, the overall message of the book of Job is that God’s mercies are abundant for those who endure to the end. It is no wonder then that James ends this by saying, “the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” In no way is James teaching that all trials end like Job’s. Yet faithful behavior in the midst of our trials is the avenue through which God blesses His people.

Food For Thought
Those OT prophets and Job who endured until death are considered heroes to us Christians. James says they are counted as “blessed” (Gr. makarizō). This word is not necessarily parallel to “happy,” although they are close in meaning. Being happy is normally connected to one’s emotional state; being “blessed” concerns the objective state of one’s relationship to God. This is why Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:11-12). Those who are persecuted, therefore, are blessed because their relationship with God is unchanged whether their circumstances cause them to be happy or sad. This fits with James’ previous statement, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (1:12).