Read James 1 The perseverance of faith

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (:2) knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (:3) But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (:4) 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. (James 1:2-5 NKJV)

How often we pray, lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil. We seek by all means to escape trials. Yet trials are inevitable. James never says we will not have trial but when we face trials. Trials are of many kinds - any form of tests of our faith or character. It can be the area of finance, social, health, career or family relationship. God allows trails for our discipline. The question is how do we response to the trials that come our way?

First count it all joy as we consider what trial produces. It produces patience. Trial does not produce faith, but when trial is received with faith; it produces patience.

Second, let patience have its perfect work Instead of trying to escape trails. Patience, hupomone (Greek) comes from hupo, meaning under and meno, meaning to stay, abide, remain. It has the picture of someone under a heavy load and choosing to stay there. It brings one to perfection not sinless but maturity (James 1:4).

Third, ask for wisdom how we can face our trials triumphantly. God gives liberally to all who asked in faith (James 1:5-6). Wisdom is the application of knowledge constructively to ones action. The wisdom God gives is of His character. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (James 3:17)

Prayer: Lord, You have allowed trails into my life as a means of developing me in character and faith. I will count it a joy. Grant me the wisdom how I should approach it. I will not compare, compete, and judge anyone. I will stay focus of what You are working in and through me as I live by the wisdom You have given me.

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