Day 2: Trials and Divine Wisdom
Read James 1:1-11
Context: Why might James immediately address the topic of trials to believers who are “scattered among the nations”?
Being scattered, they are not at home and so do not enjoy the security that home offers for one’s identity and religious expression. Add to that the aspect of being a peculiar sect among the tribes, one that isn’t even fully embraced by one’s own people, then there’s every likelihood that one would face trials of various kinds. It is like being part of a tribe or nation, but not fitting in because of the beliefs you hold and practice, and being located somewhere outside your tribe or nation.
Content: What specific promises and instructions does James give regarding trials, and what role does wisdom play in responding to difficulties?
When it comes to trials, James notes that this is an opportunity for joy. The joy should come because the trials offer the opportunity to exercise steadfastness. This is a precious godly commodity because when this is fully established in a person, they can finally be referred to as perfect and complete. In order to exercise this steadfastness, it’s important for the believer to seek the fullness of the wisdom of God available to those who ask for it because God is only too willing to download it in abundance. There is a condition under which God’s wisdom should be sought. That condition is that the request should be made free of doubt, or else the wisdom will not be given.
Concept: How does James connect the experience of trials with spiritual maturity and the generous character of God?
The connection is obvious and sophisticated. God sends us as His children to make His character known in the world. This marks us out as different and opens us up to various trials. It would be easy to see these trials as negative, depressing and discouraging. Such a view, however, does not bring God into the picture. When He is introduced, we get to see and know more about the character He displays: steadfastness. That is to say, we see the consistency of God in being a good God. Our capacity to reflect that character is totally dependent on Him. As we look to Him in the trials and as we submit to Him through the trials, so His character is reflected through us. So we are committed to displaying the consistent, trustworthy, blessing-focused nature of God. That requires focusing on God alone and exercising His wisdom in all things. It is this wisdom that makes us capable of handling every trial we face with grace, kindness, fairness and righteousness. This is not something we arrive at overnight. This is something we develop as we intentionally cooperate with God through each trial we face. There is never a place for complacency as if we’ve arrived at total maturity in God. Every season offers different kinds of trials that bring us back to prayer, seeking God’s wisdom to display His character through the specific trial. This reflects the tremendous, generous nature of God because, whatever the trial and however much we fumble, He is only too willing to help us with a healthy overdose of His wisdom, as long as we remain focused on Him and trust Him to give as we ask.
Conclusion: What practical steps can you take this week to view your current challenges through the lens of James’ teaching?
Rejoice in God for the specific trial I have. This rejoicing is the expression of delight I have that God is using this to build His character in me.
Be specific and clear about the specific trial I face and be honest about how it’s affecting my thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
Entrust to God the specific trial, and receive from Him His wisdom to interact with it in a way that praises, honours, and glorifies God.
Be mindful and sensitive to how God responds to the request. Meanwhile, use every opportunity the trial presents to revisit those steps and gain a godly perspective on things.
Next Up – James – Day 3: Temptation and Pure Religion
Read James 1:12-27
Context: How does James’ teaching about temptation (verses 12-18) connect with his earlier discussion of trials?
Content: What does James reveal about the nature and source of temptation, and how does he contrast this with God’s perfect gifts?
Concept: According to James, what constitutes “pure and faultless religion” (verse 27), and how does this relate to being “doers” rather than merely “hearers” of the word?
Conclusion: In what specific areas of your life do you need to move from hearing God’s word to actively doing it?
When going through various trials, the wisdom of God is a present help if we ask without wavering. That’s another reason to get the Word In so we can get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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