James 1:1-8
1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
St. James, a man of action, gives us strong advice...His discussion of faith throughout the book he authored, seems to tell us faith, or at least a part of our faith is about our actions and what we do...
Faith gets tested...We must persevere...If we persevere we become mature and complete in our faith...
He says when we face trials, consider it pure joy...Humanity tries to avoid hardship, pain, and trials...Yet, St. James tells us to enjoy (consider, it pure joy) those hard times...How odd, or is it???...He knows, if we trust in the LORD we will make it through these trials...But we must persevere, be patient, and let some time pass to get through these times...
When we are in times of trials and tribulations, wisdom is our friend...Wisdom comes from the LORD...If we lack wisdom ask God for it...God, whose grace is abundant is One who give generously...
The mind of man hangs on to trials and troubles...God helps you let them go...So, be patient, ask for wisdom from Him, and persevere...Know that belief in Him will help slow down doubts and help in troubled times...So in troubled times let go and let God...
When troubled, pray, be patient, persevere, and ask for the LORD's help...He is gracious and generous...Let go and let God...