Joy can only coexist with trials when we know that God has a purpose for them—“that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (Jas 1:4). This perspective requires a tremendous amount of faith (Jas 1:3), a word that appears 16 times in James (15 times in Jas 1–2). We, too, face an assortment of trials, and James’ instruction to remain faithful applies to us. God’s purpose in allowing us to suffer is that we might be conformed to the likeness of Christ, who also endured suffering.