Trials and Testing (James 1)

12:30 PM



Our Reading: James 1

Stress is inevitable. It’s not a matter of if, but when,  will we encounter problems, difficulties and trials. Being a faithful Christian doesn’t mean that we live an easy, everything goes well for us kind of life. Throughout the Bible we witness stories of God’s people going through all kinds of difficult struggles. In the book of James, we are not given advice about how to avoid the tough trials of life, but rather how to respond to those trials with the right perspective and outlook. 

“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.”(v2-4 )

Now it may seem a strange instruction to find joy in trials. I don’t know of anyone who enjoys being in the midst of a hardship or difficulty. I don’t think James means that we are expected to jump up and down with happiness while truly struggling or suffering. But he did say we can “count it joy” which means we attach a positive purpose or benefit to that trial. This is a perspective we may not truly be able to apply until we can view it from the rear view mirror of experience. 
Even Jesus endured trials and His trials surpassed any that we will know. These trials were difficult for Him, but He looked beyond what He had to endure and focused on the joy and benefit He would gain.  “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

Trials serve a purpose for they are used by God to impact us spiritually. James tells us that trials test our faith and teach us to stand. Becoming familiar with the Word of God gives us knowledge but until that knowledge is used and applied in the forges of life, we are not refined into the mature Christian that God wants us to be. 

O.S. Hawkins, in his book called “The James Code” tells us there are two kinds of trials. “When we are out of His will for our lives, trials of correction often come our way. On the other hand, trials of perfection come to us when we are in the will of God.”  
So, when a trial comes, ask if there is something in your life that God needs you to deal with and repent of. Remember that he will discipline you as your loving Father because you are His child. But, also realize that you may be walking in God’s will for your life and God may be using that trial to mature and refine you. Always, the goal is to make you more and more into the image of Christ. From our greatest hurts and difficulties may come our greatest ministries. What God teaches you through your trial today may be used to help someone else going through a similar trial in the future. 
“Every humiliation, everything that tries and vexes us, is God’s way of cutting a deeper channel in us through which the life of Christ can flow.”- Roy Hession

Trials should prompt us to seek God for direction. “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.” (v5-6) Not knowing what the future holds can create fear, anxiety, depression, etc but we have access to the One who is sovereign over all circumstances and the One who wants to help us. He asks us to trust that He will see us through. And when we endure, we will reap eternal reward. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (v12-13)


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