Enduring Extremes

My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance complete 
its work, so that you may be complete and 
whole, lacking in nothing.

— James 1:2-4 (NRSVUE)

We live in a world where extremes are normal. Extreme weather, politics, emotions, etc. are all part of the human condition. As believers, our faith provides us strength to persevere even in extremes. This is a concept that is also present throughout the Bible. 

One of the most prominent examples of enduring extremes is the story of Job. He faced great suffering, including the loss of his possessions, his health, and his family. Despite this, he did not curse God or lose faith, but rather maintained his trust in God’s goodness. Job 1:21-22 records his response to these events: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there; the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Paul and Silas also offer us an example of endurance in Acts 16. Imprisoned and subjected to severe beatings, they continued to pray and sing hymns to God, even in dire circumstances. 

In both examples, we see the importance of meeting extremes with faithfulness to God. This means clinging to God’s love and ultimate vision for a re-created cosmos — to see beyond now to what will be. It also means relying on God’s strength to persevere and seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance and comfort in the middle of hardship. If we keep seeking and keep knocking on God’s door, we will find the hope and strength necessary not only to survive but to thrive.