1:1 Greeting. James (the half-brother of Jesus, writing in the mid to late 40’s AD) writes to the people of God scattered about the world. He has three major topics in mind, two of which will be introduced today…
1:2-4 Counting. The trials that come in the Christian life aren’t to be despised; they aren’t reasons to distrust God. Instead, by God’s providence, the trials we endure are part of the very way that He grows and matures us. Thus, we can see even hardships as opportunities for joy rather than despair.
1:5-8 Believing. But how can we have the wisdom to navigate our trials faithfully? James writes that it is as simple as asking the Lord. We are to trust Him in all things – including that He is willing to provide what we need, when we need it. To doubt Him means that we won’t receive; to have faith in Him means that we follow Christ’s own example as we look to the Lord for all things in every circumstance.
The Point: Trusting the Lord to have purpose in and to guide us through our trials is part of how we follow Jesus in this life.
Prayer: Lord, we ask for wisdom because we need it. The only way we can rightly trust you and see your hand at work is if we have the wisdom that comes from above. So we ask you to provide. Help us to see your purpose in our lives, that we would have hope and joy as we follow King Jesus.
Application: Adopt the Lord’s view over your own – trust His purpose and provision for every hardship in your life.
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