In my first post on the book of James we said that we are to respond to trials with an attitude of joy because we understand that the trials can produce endurance in our lives. They can produce steadfastness through our willingness to stay focused on Christ regardless of what it taking place in our lives. We are able to have this attitude of joy because true Christian joy is found in the person of Christ not in our circumstances. While these various trials can produce endurance, we must realize the key word is ‘CAN’.
The reason why I say that trials can produce endurance is found in verse 4. To correctly respond to trials one must be submissive to God. It is only through a submissive attitude that trials will produce endurance. It is only through a submissive attitude that endurance can do a work in your life. That is why verse 4 instructs us to let endurance have its perfect work in our lives. It is a choice that we have to make. We can either choose to become bitter because of the trial, or we can choose to become stronger.
Verses 5-8 of James 1 give us the next requirement. In order to respond correctly to trials we need godly wisdom. Many times these verses are lifted out of the context of the passage, but they clearly should be viewed as part of James’ teaching on trials. According to verse 5 if anyone lacks wisdom, he is to ask God for it. Why? Because God will give it. If you lack wisdom in dealing with trials, the correct response is to ask God for that wisdom and understanding. God does not want you to hesitate to come to him with your concerns.
As great as asking for wisdom sounds, there is a requirement as to how we are to ask for that wisdom. We are to ask in faith, without doubt, nothing wavering. We are to have confidence in God. This confidence in God can only come from a knowledge of the character of God. We are to trust in God; not in ourselves or our own abilities, and not in the world. A person who attempts to turn to God and yet rely on their own abilities is unstable and vulnerable to falling. That is what James means by saying the person who asks without faith is like a wave of the sea that is tossed.
What does all this mean? It simply means that when trials come we are to have a complete focus on Christ. We are to realize that the only way to benefit from the difficulties is with a trust in God. We are to keep our eyes focused on Him because we trust His character. Once again we see that who God is has a direct results on our daily lives.
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James 1:4-8- Dealing With Trials- Part 2
June 16, 2010
devotional commentary
The reason why I say that trials can produce endurance is found in verse 4. To correctly respond to trials one must be submissive to God. It is only through a submissive attitude that trials will produce endurance. It is only through a submissive attitude that endurance can do a work in your life. That is why verse 4 instructs us to let endurance have its perfect work in our lives. It is a choice that we have to make. We can either choose to become bitter because of the trial, or we can choose to become stronger.
Verses 5-8 of James 1 give us the next requirement. In order to respond correctly to trials we need godly wisdom. Many times these verses are lifted out of the context of the passage, but they clearly should be viewed as part of James’ teaching on trials. According to verse 5 if anyone lacks wisdom, he is to ask God for it. Why? Because God will give it. If you lack wisdom in dealing with trials, the correct response is to ask God for that wisdom and understanding. God does not want you to hesitate to come to him with your concerns.
As great as asking for wisdom sounds, there is a requirement as to how we are to ask for that wisdom. We are to ask in faith, without doubt, nothing wavering. We are to have confidence in God. This confidence in God can only come from a knowledge of the character of God. We are to trust in God; not in ourselves or our own abilities, and not in the world. A person who attempts to turn to God and yet rely on their own abilities is unstable and vulnerable to falling. That is what James means by saying the person who asks without faith is like a wave of the sea that is tossed.
What does all this mean? It simply means that when trials come we are to have a complete focus on Christ. We are to realize that the only way to benefit from the difficulties is with a trust in God. We are to keep our eyes focused on Him because we trust His character. Once again we see that who God is has a direct results on our daily lives.
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