Generally, we don’t view trials as something good. However, if we could look beyond the immediate pain and see the bigger picture, we would realize that our afflictions serve a greater purpose. James encourages us to “… count it all joy when you fall into various trials …” Why should we rejoice in trials? Because they produce something valuable in us. When we handle them correctly, these trials make us “… perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Affliction is one of the ways God prepares ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. If you feel afflicted, then rejoice — God is preparing you for something greater.

— James 1:2-3 + Hebreews 11:24-26