"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:2-4
What trials or "stuff" have you been going through lately? Sickness or injury? A hurt relationship? Continual financial hardships? Persecution? Whatever it is, you and I can take comfort because we have been saved by a God who knows all things and is in control of everything. These verses assume that trials and difficulties are going to occur - James says "when you encounter various trials"! If nothing else, be encouraged because these trials are not a surprise to our great and glorious God!
"Consider it all joy": The first phrase is difficult to do though! If I was writing this letter, I would have followed this phrase with "when things are great" or "when you've met the man/woman or your dreams" or even "that Christ has saved you!" But I certainly wouldn't have said, "when you encounter various trials." I am not that crazy, but I am also not inspired by the Holy Spirit as James was as he wrote.
How is this realistically possible? James gives us this answer: "knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." Remember last week we studied 1 Samuel 12 and that Samuel told the Israelites to serve God in truth with their whole hearts? Well, here is a great example of that! We dwell on the truth that God has given us - all trials and hardships we encounter test us and our faith. They are an opportunity for us to really reach our full potential - being like Christ. The endurance that James speaks about - it is an unwavering trust and faith that believes God is who He says He is and will do what He has said He will do. Trials are an opportunity for us to believe and trust.
But let's not stop there - no! James also tells us to continue that endurance "so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing!" There are different views on being made completely like Christ - some believe it is possible in this lifetime and others (myself included) believe that this total and complete work of being transformed into Christ's likeness only happens after we leave this world and see Him in our real home. No matter what you believe, these verses tell us that being made into Christ's likeness comes, at least partially, through the trials we encounter. God desires your good (Romans 8:28), and His absolute best for you and me is holiness. He wants to make us holy, like Christ, and that is what being perfect and complete, lacking in nothing means!
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." What an amazing promise. In your trials and hardships (or any time at all!), ask God for wisdom - He WILL give it to you! God delights in giving His wisdom - James says He gives it willingly, generously and without reproach; He will not make fun of you for not having wisdom! Scripture teaches us that "The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10; Job 28:28; Prv. 1:7, 9:10) and that God honored and delighted in Solomon's request for discernment and understanding (1 Kings 3:5-14). Trust and believe Him, take Him at His word that He will give you wisdom to go through every day - and remember that wisdom begins with fearing Him.
Our Perfect God, I praise You for always seeking my good, to make me like You. I praise You that my trials are no surprise to You, but actually Your plan to complete me and make me who You want. Please help me trust You in the good times and the bad, and grow me in Your wisdom. In You Holy name I pray, Amen.
What trials or "stuff" have you been going through lately? Sickness or injury? A hurt relationship? Continual financial hardships? Persecution? Whatever it is, you and I can take comfort because we have been saved by a God who knows all things and is in control of everything. These verses assume that trials and difficulties are going to occur - James says "when you encounter various trials"! If nothing else, be encouraged because these trials are not a surprise to our great and glorious God!
"Consider it all joy": The first phrase is difficult to do though! If I was writing this letter, I would have followed this phrase with "when things are great" or "when you've met the man/woman or your dreams" or even "that Christ has saved you!" But I certainly wouldn't have said, "when you encounter various trials." I am not that crazy, but I am also not inspired by the Holy Spirit as James was as he wrote.
How is this realistically possible? James gives us this answer: "knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." Remember last week we studied 1 Samuel 12 and that Samuel told the Israelites to serve God in truth with their whole hearts? Well, here is a great example of that! We dwell on the truth that God has given us - all trials and hardships we encounter test us and our faith. They are an opportunity for us to really reach our full potential - being like Christ. The endurance that James speaks about - it is an unwavering trust and faith that believes God is who He says He is and will do what He has said He will do. Trials are an opportunity for us to believe and trust.
But let's not stop there - no! James also tells us to continue that endurance "so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing!" There are different views on being made completely like Christ - some believe it is possible in this lifetime and others (myself included) believe that this total and complete work of being transformed into Christ's likeness only happens after we leave this world and see Him in our real home. No matter what you believe, these verses tell us that being made into Christ's likeness comes, at least partially, through the trials we encounter. God desires your good (Romans 8:28), and His absolute best for you and me is holiness. He wants to make us holy, like Christ, and that is what being perfect and complete, lacking in nothing means!
"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." What an amazing promise. In your trials and hardships (or any time at all!), ask God for wisdom - He WILL give it to you! God delights in giving His wisdom - James says He gives it willingly, generously and without reproach; He will not make fun of you for not having wisdom! Scripture teaches us that "The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10; Job 28:28; Prv. 1:7, 9:10) and that God honored and delighted in Solomon's request for discernment and understanding (1 Kings 3:5-14). Trust and believe Him, take Him at His word that He will give you wisdom to go through every day - and remember that wisdom begins with fearing Him.
Our Perfect God, I praise You for always seeking my good, to make me like You. I praise You that my trials are no surprise to You, but actually Your plan to complete me and make me who You want. Please help me trust You in the good times and the bad, and grow me in Your wisdom. In You Holy name I pray, Amen.
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