James 1:2-4 Devotional

James 1:2-4 (done for church)

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (NASB)

It is constantly said that the purpose of a Christian life is a relationship with God. However, at many times He allows trials and temptations to enter our life. Why is this so? Should not a good God protect His friends, after all Jesus said that we are no longer servants but friends? The Bible gives a good definition of the Christian life in II Peter 1, that being:

Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

As Christians we must all develop and mature showing the fruits of the spirit and gaining the things in the list above. If we do this we can achieve that closer relationship with God so encouraged by many Christians. The reason for all the trials in our lives is to produce patience. The word for endurance here also means a hopeful waiting. We must not grow weary of trials for they will always exist. If you are not in a trial at one moment, soon something will come and a new testing of faith will begin. The Christian life is always in a constant state of change going between a resolved trial and a new trial and with each trial we grow in faith and we grow in patience towards God. The Lord has provided each of us with the strength needed for each trial. God has promised to never try as above that we are able. Therefore no matter how bad a situation becomes, as long as you rely on the Lord, He will give you the strength needed.

The end result of all this temptation and trials is the growth of a true Christian life. In II Peter the word perseverance is the same word as the word endurance in James. It is an essential step towards a mature Christian. As we grow in patience we will also grow closer to the Lord. Thus, if anything we as Christians should thank the Lord for each of these trials as they are essential steps in our walk with the Lord and to becoming a fruitful Christian. “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Gal. 6:9) God is our ever present help in times of trouble and we should let his trials shape our lives.