James 1
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let 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. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Facing trials of many kinds can look differently to each individual. For many people around the globe, trials mean persecution by prison sentences or torture for their faith in Jesus Christ. Still others are martyred for that faith. Here in America, we don’t see much of that type of persecution. Some students may be bullied in their schools while others may be discriminated against in some way. I believe a trial is anything that shakes your character.
All of us harbor some areas of immaturity and lack of character. Holding a grudge against someone for an offense can be a trial for that person. Unforgiveness is a horrible prison that eats away like a cancer. Add gossip into the mix and now many people have “caught” the disease. Being on the receiving end of someone who is offended can also test one’s character. This can be a trial of great difficulty. Your response may make or break your friendship. It may also make or break you. Other trials could take the form of finance issues, relationship issues, health problems, etc.
Anything that you encounter that is not pleasant or seems a great struggle could be your trial. One thing is certain. Trials are a joyful thing even if they are not pleasant! You may ask, “Why is it joyful?” Because the results will either be pass or fail. If you pass, you may never have to go through it again. If you fail, you will have to go through it again until you learn a better character from it. A better character means you passed and that is joyful. Thank God, He gives us second, third, and fortieth chances to improve our character. God has not given up on you my friend! He loves you with an everlasting love that encourages you to do your best and become your best. Fortunately, He sees the end goal, not the process to that goal.
Did you see verse 5? God gives us His wisdom generously without finding fault. That means to me that no matter how bad I mess up and disappoint others, God doesn’t find fault in me if I ask for His wisdom, His guidance, His help. He wants me to succeed! Yippee!! Anyone out there like me that has held back your talents because you couldn’t find someone to believe in you? God believes in you! He sees you as successful. He stands at the sidelines of your life and says, “Stay focused. Listen to me, your coach. Do everything I tell you. Don’t pay attention to anyone but me.” Others may be very vocal about pointing out your faults. They may scream loudly that you are no good or that you can’t succeed. But God says, “Pay attention to Me. Look to me and my ways and I will get you to the other side.”
Be encouraged my friend.
Facing trials of many kinds can look differently to each individual. For many people around the globe, trials mean persecution by prison sentences or torture for their faith in Jesus Christ. Still others are martyred for that faith. Here in America, we don’t see much of that type of persecution. Some students may be bullied in their schools while others may be discriminated against in some way. I believe a trial is anything that shakes your character.
All of us harbor some areas of immaturity and lack of character. Holding a grudge against someone for an offense can be a trial for that person. Unforgiveness is a horrible prison that eats away like a cancer. Add gossip into the mix and now many people have “caught” the disease. Being on the receiving end of someone who is offended can also test one’s character. This can be a trial of great difficulty. Your response may make or break your friendship. It may also make or break you. Other trials could take the form of finance issues, relationship issues, health problems, etc.
Anything that you encounter that is not pleasant or seems a great struggle could be your trial. One thing is certain. Trials are a joyful thing even if they are not pleasant! You may ask, “Why is it joyful?” Because the results will either be pass or fail. If you pass, you may never have to go through it again. If you fail, you will have to go through it again until you learn a better character from it. A better character means you passed and that is joyful. Thank God, He gives us second, third, and fortieth chances to improve our character. God has not given up on you my friend! He loves you with an everlasting love that encourages you to do your best and become your best. Fortunately, He sees the end goal, not the process to that goal.
Did you see verse 5? God gives us His wisdom generously without finding fault. That means to me that no matter how bad I mess up and disappoint others, God doesn’t find fault in me if I ask for His wisdom, His guidance, His help. He wants me to succeed! Yippee!! Anyone out there like me that has held back your talents because you couldn’t find someone to believe in you? God believes in you! He sees you as successful. He stands at the sidelines of your life and says, “Stay focused. Listen to me, your coach. Do everything I tell you. Don’t pay attention to anyone but me.” Others may be very vocal about pointing out your faults. They may scream loudly that you are no good or that you can’t succeed. But God says, “Pay attention to Me. Look to me and my ways and I will get you to the other side.”
Be encouraged my friend.
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