bad times?

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

every situation we go through, is to build our faith and steadfastness (James), and ultimately to make us more like Jesus (Romans). and these are essential in our growth and our journey towards the end point: heaven. James never wrote "when you're having fun, it will produce steadfastness".

good times rarely make us more like Jesus. it's the bad times that count more. let's find our joy in that. :)