Can you honestly say you give thanks during adversity or when you know trouble is coming?  Pleas for help, comfort or rescue are surely on our lips- but thanks?   James tells us in 1:2  “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”  He has a reason for telling us to be thankful or joyful because it produces godly character in us. 1:3-4 “Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].  And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” AMP  This is pretty clear that the results of trials and suffering will produce and show our character for God.

Here’s an example from Daniel.  Daniel was a high official in the  Persian court, a Jew of good standing and character.  His enemies wanted to find fault with him so they could get rid of him.  They got the king to sign a law that for 30 days no one could worship anyone but the king.  Persian law once signed could not be changed even by the king.  Daniel 6:10 “When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.”   Daniel knew they were ‘out to get him’ but continued on with his regular worship, trusting God to deal with his enemies!  His enemies came, turned him into the king and the law had to be followed.  Daniel 6:12 Then the devious enemies of Daniel went to the king.  ““O king! Did you not sign an injunction, that anyone who makes petition to any god or man within thirty days except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?”   Now the king was stuck and had to follow his own law.  “Then the king commanded, and Daniel was brought and cast into the den of lions. The king declared to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!”  Daniel 6 16   The king had a restless and worried night as he liked Daniel.  In the morning the king went to find out what had happened to Daniel.  “ Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever!  My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” Daniel 6:21-22

Daniel was faithful in praying in all circumstances and let God deal with the problems.  His character was shown to be steadfast and honoring to God.  May we continue to praise God, give thanks and pray under all circumstances- rejoicing in the character God is building in us.  May we be like Daniel honoring God in our faith and actions.

Linda