James
1:2-8 looks at the Christian's attitude toward trials. "My
brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing
this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience
have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting
nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to
all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But
let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a
wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man
think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man
is unstable in all his ways." (KJV)
"Count
It All Joy." The joy of trials comes when one stays faithful
through trials. It brings joy when one comes through a trial with His
eyes still focused on Jesus. "But we see Jesus, who was made a
little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with
glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for
everyone" (Heb.2:9).
"Let
Patience Have Its Perfect Work." Patience is the quality of
perseverance or stedfastness (Rom.5:3-5). Patience has to do with our
loyalty or commitment to God. Patience leads to Christian maturity.
"Let
Him Ask Of God--Wisdom." Christians go to God to gain the
wisdom necessary to deal with trials. "No temptation has overtaken
you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not
allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the
temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to
bear it" (1 Cor.10:13).
"Let
Him Ask In Faith." Without faith Christians cannot please God
(Heb.11:6). Do not allow trials to cause you to doubt God or His care
and love for you. Always believe that God knows what is best for you,
wants what is best for you, and is active to bring about what is best.
The
person who doesn't have faith in God through trials is
"unstable" and vacillating because of being
"double-minded." With a strong faith, always anchored in God,
Christians can say with Paul, "My God shall supply all your needs
according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). Trials will come but God is there caring,
loving, helping and blessing through good times and bad.
