“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ:
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations. Greetings!” James 1:1
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of
your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown
and tossed by the wind. James 1:2-6
Remember this when life isn’t working:
Problems are inevitable:
- “WHEN all kinds of trials crowd into your lives…” James 1:2
Problems are variable:
- “When MANY KINDS of trials crowd into your lives…” James 1:2
Problems are purposeful
- Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:4
3 Purposes of Problems:
PROBLEMS TEST MY FAITH
- “Realize they come to test your faith…” James 1:3
PROBLEMS DEVELOP MY ENDURANCE
- “…and to produce in you the quality of endurance.” James 1:3b
PROBLEMS MATURE MY CHARACTER
- 4 “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ” James 1:4
How to react to problems:
Rejoice in the problem.
- We don’t rejoice FOR the problem, but IN the problem.
- We know God can bring good out of bad!
- “Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials…” James 1:1
Request: Ask God for wisdom:
- “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Rely on and trust God.
- 6” But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Remember God’s promise.
- Blessed is the PERSON who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12