James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 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. 6 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. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. 12 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.--James 1:12
Dear Suzanne, Rebecca, Anna and Mikayla,
As discussed in my previous letter, the first 12 verses in Chapter 1 of James give us 5 key attitudes to cultivate in a trial. The first we have already discussed: a joyful attitude. The last four are an understanding mind, a submissive will, a believing heart and a humble spirit. Today we are going to look at how having an understanding mind can help. Look at what verse 3 says: "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
The word testing means proof or proving. Patience here means the perseverance or endurance that is produced in a believer's life as he is tested by trials which enables him to endure and even thank God for the benefits that the trial produced. As a believer we can consider difficulties as an opportunity for great joy because of what God will accomplish in us and through us for His glory and our good. It is not that we pretend to be happy about facing the pain, but underlying it all is the rock solid knowledge that our God is in control....that the Lord omnipotent reigns in the affairs of men. We can be sure that as we wait on Him, obey Him and trust Him, He will produce in us through purifying trials, those things necessary to make us more like Him. Those things necessary to help us endure through and receive the crown of life.
The most amazing thing for me as a believer is that when I look back on any trial I have gone through my mind does not go to the "I am so glad it is over page." My "mind" immediately falls down on its knees in utter gratitude for those trials. WHY?? Because through them I got to see, know and love Jesus. It was through difficulties that I began to give HIM preeminence in my life. I began to look up before I looked anywhere else. Through the trials I see God's grace and love for me. I see how He had carefully prepared me years before for the trials that I am experiencing even today. He CARES about my every step. He IS with me in every way. He hedges me behind and before. He KNOWS the way I take. We as believers learn to withstand the trial because we have learned to cherish the benefits!
"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal--2 Cor 4:17-19
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."--Romans 5:3-5
"And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."--2nd Corinthians 12:7-10
Love
Mom
