Joyfully Enduring Trials.

Our second week in the book of James allows us to take a look at verses 2-4 of chapter 1.  After a 16 word, 1 verse introduction, James comes with an imperative command that ultimately calls for total obedience.  He waste no time as he comes straight for heart specifically focusing on an issue that that all Christians throughout history have encountered.  The issue at hand is how do you remain joyfully obedient to God during the difficult trials of life?

For James it is not a matter of if you face difficulties, he is rather confident that you will.  In fact, he boldly states “when” you face trials.  For some throughout the Christian faith, the concept of difficulties in this life, come as a result of weak faith.  For James, trials in this life are uniquely designed opportunities from the merciful hand of God, that when embraced, produce completeness (v4).  It is important to remember that the first recipients of this letter where Christians who fled Jerusalem due to persecution.  These early Christians left their homeland; many were sick and living in poverty.  Church history reminds us that these early Christians made an impact throughout the various regions as they proclaimed the gospel regardless of their difficult situation.  I am confident that James, one of their early pastors impacted their lives through these verses.  He rallied the troops to stay joyfully obedient regardless of their situation.

For James, in order to stay joyfully obedient during the difficulties of life you need to know three simple things:  1) Trials test faith, 2) Trials produce perseverance, 3) Trials develop completeness.  As you encounter difficulties in this life, remember this strong word from the half brother of Jesus, “consider it all joy, my brethren, when you face various trials.”

~billy