Trials
I really like this passage of scripture. In this chapter, James is teaching Believers to stand firm in the midst of trials. James begins the chapter by telling that we will fall into trials but that we should “Consider it pure joy” (James 1:2) to even face said trial. Often times, when we face a trial, we get discouraged or angry but this passage is very encouraging. James explains “that the testing of faith develops perseverance” (v3). that this perseverance is critical in developing a maturity in the Faith.
Once we begin to undergo trials and feel that uncomfortable squeeze, whatever is in us will come out. It can be doubt, anger, sadness, depression, joy, or happiness. That’s why perseverance is important! The trial won’t last forever and the longer we can stand, the stronger we will become spiritually. The next trial may be a little more challenging than the one before it, but at least we will have a little more strength to endure. Once we recognize the area of weakness, we can take the necessary steps to eradicate it. What ever area we are lacking in petition God and if it is in His will, He will supply (v5). Just believe that it will be done, and it will be done. What good is a petition to God if we are only going to doubt Him after we petition? James calls a person who prays then doubts “double-minded and unstable in all he does” (v6). If we are unstable, God will not use us. God cannot use us.
Later on in the passage, James tell us our reward for standing firm and persevering. He says that we will “receive the crown of life that God had promised to those who love him.” (v12). That passage alone is reason enough to be thankful! God thought you were worthy to even be considered to go through trials! Let us look no further than Jesus as a perfect example for how to stand firm and persevere in the midst of trials and temptations (see Luke 4:1–13). Satan did all he could to temp Jesus, but Jesus stood firm and eventually received what God had promised Him. The best and most effective way to resist temptation is by surrendering to Jesus Christ and obeying the Word of God. Jesus was committed to doing the will of God and we should do the same. It may not be easy, but nothing worth having is easily obtained.
It is important to note that God himself does not tempt, but He will allow Satan to tempt and Satan will often use our own fleshly desires against us. We must be in tune with God through the Holy Spirit to recognize what is happening. Falling into temptation will lead to sin and sin leads to death. WE MUST RESIST! This comes by killing the flesh and taking up that Cross. We must be like Paul and “die daily”.
Blaming God for our trials is useless and will yield nothing but anger and frustration with God. Instead of getting angry, we should take a moment to pray. Thank God and ask to Him give us guidance on how to navigate through. After all, total dependence on Him is always the best option and I personally believe that this is the whole point of the trial. We aren’t supposed to go through alone, rather we give it to God so that He alone gets the glory.
James 1:1–18 gives us a blueprint on how to overcome trials and temptations. In the coming weeks and months, we as Believers will face several trials and many will fall away. But for the ones who are able to withstand everything that comes our way, there is a great reward on the other side! I want to encourage you to continue to seek God’s face, continue to fast, and continue to stay in the Word. My prayer is that, through Christ Jesus, we will all have what it takes to endure until the end.
Suggested scriptures: Isaiah 7:9; James 1:1–18, Luke 4:1–13; 1 Kings 3:9,10; Prov. 2:3–6; Mark 11:24; 1 Cor. 7:31.
