JAMES 1:2-8:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
What trials have you faced in recent times? Illness? Uncertainties about your job? Ridicule because of standing for your faith? One thing is for certain, trials are a common aspect of life no matter who we are and no matter what time period we live in.
The dispersed Christians to whom James wrote suffered in many of the same ways that we do today, but I think we can safely say they endured more religious persecution and suffered from greater poverty than most of us.
James wastes no time giving his first of around fifty imperatives (commands) in his epistle. And the first one is a rather peculiar one. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (v. 2). This sounds counterintuitive to say the least, but Christians aren’t to rejoice because they actually like going through difficulties, but do see and appreciate the results they can bring.
No matter what kind of trial comes our way, it is a test of faith (see v. 3), whether it pertains directly to our faith, or is a matter that can in some way impact our faith. But when Christians are tested there is an opportunity to be forged even stronger. One of the keys for this to happen is that we must “know” the good that trials can bring. In this case, and in many others, knowledge certainly is power! Understanding what God can bring about through difficulties is a game-changer as far as trials are concerned.
When we “let” (v. 4) trials do what they have the capacity to do, “steadfastness” (v. 4) is the result. We cultivate one of the most significant tools for successful Christian living and growth… the virtue of being able to persevere even more. This perseverance then allows us to reach a mature or more completed state of faith. Note the emphasis on the fullness that steadfastness leads to in verse 4: “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Notice the words I put in italics that give emphasis to the great work of steadfastness. Nothing completes our faith like persevering through trials!
Of course, it is still a difficult task to see trials from this perspective, thus James gives instruction to those who struggle (I wonder who doesn’t, at least at times), to pray for wisdom (v. 5). It seems this wisdom, in our context, has to do with the ability to see and handle trials properly, in accord with the revealed will of God.
Consider two factors about this wisdom. First, God desires us to ask, or pray, concerning this wisdom. He certainly feels no “reproach” with us for summoning Him concerning these important matters (compare this with Mt. 7:7-11). God has promised to respond with generosity to our prayers in this regard. Secondly, it would be a mistake to think that prayer somehow relinquishes our responsibility of seeking God’s wisdom in His Word and doing our part in making application to our trials. As I’ve heard it said, “We should pray like it all depends on God and live like it all depends on us.”
However, if the Christian prays to God for wisdom, but in his heart he doubts that God really hears his prayers, then such indeed will be the case (v. 7). James graphically describes this Christian as being like one who is tossed about by the raging sea (v. 6). His faith is unstable as he lives an unbelieving faith (v. 8).
APPLICATIONS
- When you meet up with various trials, carefully consider them from the vantage point of faith. Consider opportunities they may present you for a stronger more complete faith.
- Give thanks to God that He has allowed you to grow through trials to the point you are at and pray that He will help you going forward.
- Take some time to evaluate one current or recent trial you have been through. How would James have you see it and use it differently?
Daren Schroeder
