"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN A TRIAL"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN A TRIAL"

James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

James 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Some explanatory thoughts/application, and a prayer:

1. First of all Christians go through and fall into what are called trials. Notice what James says in
James 1:2 My brethren. He is talking to brethren, other christians. So, trials and Christians go together. Christians will have trials.

2. Secondly, James tells us how to view a trial when you all into one. And, there are several things said here.

(1) Count it all joy, is the first attitude of faith to have when you fall into a trial. Whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. Or as the J. B Phillips translation says,
"When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!" Notice, "let it be an opportunity for joy"

(2) Also, we tend to "fall into trials" That is, they just come out of nowhere or so it seems. Like when you are walking along, and are not aware that there is a hole in the ground, and you fall into it with one of your feet, or both. You just fall into a trial. In other words, it seems as if trials will just come your way. And, they do.

(3) James uses a term "various trials" or "when all kinds of trials" That is, they can come in a variety of forms. It often seems that they come not in a singular way, but, in multiples.

3. Now, this second verse tells us why we can count trials "All joy" or to "don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends" It's because of what is said in James 1:3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. It's knowing what God intends to do through a trial in your life. He wants to use this trial ( this testing of your faith ) to produce patience, or perseverance, or spiritual growth, maturity and strength in your life. Again, as the Phillips translation puts it "Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance." What all this means, is simply this, When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. That's what happens.

4. This last verse, tells us not just about how to view a trial, and to understand what God intends to do through a trial in your life, but what you are to do personally when you fall into a trial.
James 1:4 "But let patience have its perfect work" God is calling for you to let God lead you through this trial. Let God accomplish His purposes in you through this trial. "Or, to let the process go until the endurance if fully developed. "J. B. Phillips.

5. Now, here is the end God has in mind, it's what was mentioned in verse 2 James 1:2b that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. You see, as you have the right attitude in trial, and as you cooperate with God in a trial, and let Him accomplish what He wants, here's what will happen to you. You will become more mature, more well rounded, not lacking anything as far as your spiritual growth goes. You will be becoming fully developed as a Christian. It will give you the right kind of independence, that is, you will not be worried about what is happening to you, You will not become a prisoner of fear and discouragement, but you will be free to just accept from God's hand what comes Your way, and follow Jesus with joy and faithfulness.

A prayer:

Father, if there is one thing we can thank You for day by day, it's Your precious Word. For it's so rich in giving us what we need. I'm certain there must be folks reading this today who really need to hear this, here it is right from Your hand. We all go through trials Father. And, each and every one of those trials are the ones that You have allowed to come into our lives, with Your Godly goal and purpose to give us endurance, growth, strength, maturity, fully developed character. Thank You for them Lord, and help us to have the right attitude of faith, submission, and a long range outlook on what You intend to do through the trial. In Jesus name,

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia