Joy in Temptation?

James 1:2

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

KJV

 
 

When I read this verse, it caught me off guard. What. We're to rejoice when we fall into temptation? I thought we were to flee temptation, but verse 3 holds the key to verse 2:

 
 

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

 
 

So, that is why we can rejoice in temptation: it helps us learn patience. But, there are several requirements. We must have victory over temptation, and the only way to have consistent victory is through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us. Also, we must be willing to learn. We may never allow difficulty to make us bitter. We must have a teachable spirit. We must be willing to learn from our mistakes. Thus we can emerge victorious from temptation and even be rejoicing. And, every time we win over temptation with God's help, we will be stronger for the next temptation that will come our way.

 
 

Lord, help me to rely on You in times of temptation. Help me to realize that in my own strength I cannot win. Give me the faith to rejoice in times of temptation realizing that it will strengthen me and teach me patience.