Rejoice in Trials
For several weeks we have learned about “Living by The Book.” One of the New Testament books emphasizes how to live by the book — James.
Two key verses in the book of James: “But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).
James opened this book to scattered, mistreated, struggling Jewish believers with a call to rejoice. In fact, the passage begins and ends with rejoicing (v. 2 “joy” and v. 12 “blessed” or happy). In between there are three powerful reasons to rejoice in trials.
1. Through the process of trials we gain maturity, vv. 2-4.
2. Through our prayers in trials we gain wisdom, vv. 5-8.
3. Through our perseverance in trials we gain reward, vv. 9-12.
Knowing that God is at work in our trials can be a source of joy in our lives.
