REAL FAITH TRIUMPS

At our lowest moments, it can be hard to hold onto God when it feels like all is hopeless. But our faith isn’t led by our circumstances, but by trusting God through it all! A Christ-filled life might sound like it should be free from suffering, but James reminds us that trials and tribulations are always inevitable. Trials reveal how genuine our faith is, and instead of wallowing, we must examine ourselves if we are indeed in Christ (2 Corinthians 13:5). Real faith is anchored on God, on His truth, is constantly examined, tested, and matured in our journey to be more like Christ every day!

REJOICE IN TRIALS

When facing problems, it’s in our instinct to react in anger, sadness, or even confusion. Yet even in our trials, God commands us to rejoice! Trials can arise depending on personal choices, environments, or just abruptly without reason. We are to rejoice in faith, knowing God's work in us will produce a heart that is whole and steadfast even in the time of testing (James 1:2-4).We are to be reminded that the testing of our faith produces something that is much more valuable than what we may have lost, and how we persevere through it brings glory to God (1 Peter 1:6-7).

PRAY FOR WISDOM

God calls us to pray for wisdom! Jesus doesn’t stop us from asking questions. He calls us to come to Him when we struggle in our unbelief (Mark 9:23-24)! Even in asking for wisdom, we must ask in faith, and act in faith (James 1:5-6). True wisdom will always align with God's word. It is acting upon God's guidance in full obedience, not a suggestion that can be opted out. Despite all the things that we don't know, we can trust that God has seen it all, and to those who love Him, even bad things can turn out for good, and will ultimately be for His glory (Romans 8:28-29).

PERSEVERE

James reminds us that we aren’t blessed because we are exempt from trials, but because we persevere under them! In the moment, it can be hard to see how anything good could come from our struggles. Perseverance is not passive, but active faith – it is looking with anticipation the things that God will do and accomplish in your life. Perseverance is inseparable from genuine faith, and love for God is the defining mark of a true believer (James 1:12). Even in our suffering, we are to guard our hearts, lest we be swayed by our own lust, and bring more tragedy upon ourselves (James 1:13-14). In our trials, let us not lose hope for hidden blessings await those who put their trust in God.