…When life is easy? When the sun is shining? When you are free from pain? No. Not according to James 1: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (verse 2). Say what? It’s normal to be joyful in the good times, but not normally in the bad times. How can you face trials with joy?
“…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (verse 3-4). Trials produce something good in the Christian. It’s through trials that our faith is tested; it’s through our faith being tested that we develop perseverance and rigour; and through perseverance finishing its work the Christian is mature and complete.
When tough times come, they will come, will you continue to trust in the promises of God? When the circumstances of life suck, will you continue to hope in Jesus?
I was reminded today of one of my favourite quotes from Charles Simeon:
“My dear brother, we must not mind a little suffering for Christ’s sake. When I am getting through a hedge, if my head and shoulders are safely through, I can bear the pricking of my legs. Let us rejoice in the remembrance that our holy Head has surmounted all His suffering and triumphed over death. Let us follow Him patiently; we shall soon be partakers of His victory.”
Wal kicked off a new series in James at church on Sunday. The 645 podcast + RSS.
Wow. Thank you so much for breaking this verse down into bite size pieces. I got so much from your explanation.
Thank you and keep up the good work.
no worries.
After reading this article, I feel that I really need more info. Could you suggest some more resources please?