2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

James 1

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. 

While verse 2 is of course the key verse here, another key verse is verse 13:

¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 

The key here is recognize that whatever circumstances we find ourselves in, the question we should be asking ourselves is not the extent to which we are being tempted or tested but refined....keeping in mind that God is using the circumstances for HIS glory and wants to better prepare you for HIS plan.

I am reminded of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

My Prayer: Lord, I am in awe of Your great works, whether it is Your natural creation on earth or in me as I have witnessed a true transformation of heart and in my life.  Yet I am not done and I know this.  I know that "perseverance [must] finish its work".  Forgive me for my fear of what trials I am to encounter and help me lean on You alone for strength and faith.