Life is filled with opportunities to test our strength, resilience, and faith and face challenges that make us feel disoriented and vulnerable. But in these moments, we can rise above our circumstances and emerge stronger than ever. The book of James provides valuable guidance on navigating these trials and tribulations and coming out on the other side with renewed purpose and determination. In this blog post, we will explore critical passages from the book of James and discover how to find strength and purpose in life’s trials.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (NKJV James 1:2-4).
James explains in this verse that trials are not meant to shatter us but to shape us. Rather than feeling hopeless and resentful, we are encouraged to view these trials as opportunities to develop and improve ourselves. In the same way that a sculptor chips away at a block of marble to reveal a beautiful work of art, trials polish our character and faith, making us more resilient and mature. We also need to be careful not to blame God for our trials. I will go into further detail on this later in this post.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (NKJV James 1:5-8).
It’s interesting how the preceding verses in James discuss the importance of patience during our trials. In the following verses, James discusses wisdom and how God generously gives it without reproach. But how does wisdom relate to being patient during challenging times? When going through difficult times, feeling disoriented and unsure of what to do next is normal. James encourages us to seek wisdom and guidance from God. By sincerely asking for divine wisdom and having unwavering faith, we can receive clarity and direction even in the toughest times.
James explains that to receive this wisdom, we must ask for it in faith and without any doubts. He compares those who doubt to waves in the sea, being tossed back and forth. James calls such people “double-minded” and unstable in all his ways. According to Renn’s Expository Dictionary, double-mindedness is characterized as someone with emotional and spiritual immaturity. We should ask ourselves if we are emotionally or spiritually immature when dealing with a trial.
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by Go”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (NKJV James 1:12-13).
Earlier in the post, I emphasized the importance of not holding God accountable for our trials. We can see from verse thirteen that God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. The responsibility for tempting humans lies with Satan. Satan likely enjoys it when Christians blame God for his actions. You might be wondering why, if God is all-knowing, He didn’t warn you about this trial. We know from Job that God will use trials to strengthen our faith, but there is another reason why it is written that God cannot be tempted, nor does he tempt anyone.
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” (NKJV James 1:14-15).
God does not tempt us because we are enticed by the devil to give into our desires. When we give in to those desires, it leads to sin, and God is sinless (1 John 3:5). When sin is fully grown, it leads to death, while we know that God is the source of life (1 John 5:12).
During trials, it’s crucial to be patient and ask for wisdom instead of blaming God for allowing the trial. We must also remember not to allow our desires to lead us to sin, which will only result in death. So, what qualities are necessary to navigate through trials successfully?
“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (NKJV James 1:19-20).
When we seek wisdom, it’s essential to listen first. Instead of immediately expressing our frustration and disappointment, we should wait patiently for the wisdom that God promised to give us. This will provide us with an opportunity to settle our emotions and prevent them from turning into wrath. It’s important to remember that wrath does not produce the righteousness of God. So let’s be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, and trust that God will give us the wisdom we need when the time is right.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We approach you with humility and gratitude for the wisdom and guidance that the book of James has imparted to us. Life’s trials can leave us feeling disoriented and vulnerable, but James reminds us that they have the potential to shape us into stronger and more resilient individuals.
Lord, please help us remember that trials are not a reflection of your temptation but rather opportunities for our growth. Grant us patience to endure and faith to seek your wisdom, knowing that you generously provide it to those who ask without doubting.
We also ask for the strength to resist the temptations of our own desires that lead to sin and, ultimately, death. Let us always remember that you are the source of life, and in you, there is no sin.
Teach us, Lord, to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. May we trust in your timing and wisdom, allowing them to guide us through the challenges we face.
We pray in your name, Amen.