The book of James is one of my favorite books of the Bible. I would like to discuss what James suggest we do when we face difficulties.
When life is going well for us, we are enjoying a state of happiness. What is happiness? It is different for all of us. For you it may be a great job, perfect relationships, and an abundance of friends. These are all good circumstances. When life is going our way, we radiate with happiness. The real trial comes when we lose our jobs, a relationship ends, or our friends leave us. Where do we turn?
I want to tell you I turn to God first. Unfortunately, I do not. I am human and I journey through different emotions. They may be anger, fear, insecurity, self-pity, or maybe all of them.
James tells us "to considerate it pure joy...when we face trials of many kinds." How can I be joyful? I lost my job, my savings are shrinking, and my kids won't talk to me. James is not telling us to deny our feelings. It's part of our make-up. So what is he saying to us?
James is talking about the attitude of our heart. The joy that comes from within of knowing God is always with us and in control at all times. James knew we would encounter trouble. That is why he used the word whenever and not if. Just as he was certain of us facing trouble, we should be just as certain that God is always with us.
In our life, God will only give us what we can handle no more, no less. Yet he takes it one-step further. He will provide us a way out. Are we willing to follow it?
Trials test our faith and faith develops perseverance. As we persevere, we have an opportunity to grow, a time for learning. God uses these difficult times for our growth. Our perseverance strengthens our character, which deepens our trust in God, and gives us greater confidence in our future. Wherever God leads us, His grace is there to protect us.
James encourages us to ask God for wisdom. When we have a decision to make, James recommends we ask the Lord for guidance. He assures us God will give it to us in abundance. James 1:6 tells us we must believe and not doubt. James compares doubting like a wave of the sea. The wave is blown and tossed by the wind and tide. We must believe and rely on God that when we pray he will hear and answer our prayers.
God will not give us every thoughtless or request we make. We must align our requests with the will of God. That is when he will hear and answer our prayer. God knows what is best for us. Ask for wisdom, know he will give it abundantly, trust, and commit yourself wholeheartedly to him. Then our decisions will be in alignment with God's will. Then the hardest part of all ...is being patient.
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