Trusting Through Trials
James writes to the scattered Jewish believers to help them ‘walk the talk’ and continue growing in their Christian faith. His teachings also help us as believers in 2025 to have a living, authentic faith as we, too, are scattered throughout a rebellious world living as foreigners, awaiting Christ’s return.
Imperatives to ‘Walk the Talk’ by ‘Trusting through Trials’:
1. CONSIDER it pure joy (vs. 2)
- Every believer will face trials of many kinds (cf. Jn. 16:33)
- When faced with a trial, pause and evaluate it in light of what God wants to accomplish in your life
- A biblical understanding of trials allows us to experience joy even in the midst of them
Remember that every trial we face is under God’s control.
2. KNOW that the testing of our faith is producing something (vs. 3)
- Facing trials is inevitable; our faith will always be tested
- The testing of our faith proves the genuineness of our faith (cf. 1 Pt. 1:6-7)
- God’s purpose in testing our faith is to produce perseverance (cf. Rom. 5:3-4)
Remember that there is a purpose in the testing of our faith.
3. LET perseverance finish its work (vs. 4)
- God’s goal for our lives is maturity in Him and growing us into Christ’s likeness (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18)
- To grow in sanctification requires us to cooperate with a surrendered will to God’s testing of our faith
- It will make us mature, complete, not lacking anything
Remember God’s ultimate goal for us in the midst of trials.
4. ASK God if you lack wisdom (vs. 5)
- God’s wisdom allows us to see our trials with an eternal perspective (cf. 2 Cor. 4:17-18)
- We need to view trials as an opportunity for us to gain Godly wisdom
- The prerequisite for receiving His wisdom is to ask in faith, without doubting
Remember that God will generously give us wisdom in our trials.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (vs. 12)
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