Scripture: James 1: 2-8
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Scripture Commentary:
We can’t really know the depth of our character until we see how we react when we face trials. It’s easy to be kind to others when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly?
God wants to make us mature and complete, not keep us from all pain. Instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth. Thank God for promising to be with us in rough times.
Trials will come. Place the problems in God’s capable hands.
We need to ask God to help us solve our problems or to give us strength to endure them. We need to place the problems in His hands, and then be patient.
Believe in Him. God doesn’t leave us alone with our problems; He stays close to help us grow. To “believe and not doubt” means not only believing in the existence of God, but also believing in His loving care.
God does not grant every thoughtless or selfish request. Remember that!
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