When the violinist prepares to play, [he] must strain the violin's strings. But [he] must be careful not to strain it too much, or it is destroyed, because it snapped. But in order to develop or play that sweet music, that string must be tightened to the right point. So it is that God, through afflictions makes us, his children, a more perfect instrument for his service, both here in this life and in the life to come. And so James is saying in that analogy, as a violin in God's hand, count it all joy when he tunes his violin so that you would play sweet music to his glory. That he considers you to be a valuable instrument in his hands through which his glory is revealed—count that joy, rejoice!¹

Michael Voytek