Life is hard

The verdict is in…. Life is hard! Maybe you’ve heard. In fact, chances are close to 100% you have! No doubt, we all experience our share of hard knocks in this world. When James talked about them in the Bible, he said we would face trials of “many kinds.” Those will include relational, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual… yeah, James is right, no doubt we will face our share. Maybe you are facing one today or you have just come through one or you have one looming.

James offered a compelling challenge when he said: “Consider it pure joy,… whenever you face trials…”. James 2:2. On the surface, that might seem impossible. How can I consider a trial a joy? Notice that James doesn’t tell us to consider the “trial” a joy; that would be foolish, but rather to consider it joy whenever you “face” trials. That may seem like semantics, but it’s not! James went on to help us understand the point of facing trials for Believers. Life’s challenges create opportunities for God to shape us! He is testing us, teaching us to persevere, making us mature and complete, lacking nothing! (James 2:4).

The problem for us is that in the midst of trials, we may not understand. We may even get angry at God, question Him and ask why?! Let’s face it, when life doesn’t go our way, we want to blame somebody. James would say, in those moments, pray for wisdom and believe that God will give it to you! (James 2:5-6). Don’t waffle and shift like a wave in the ocean. Trust, obey and believe!

Trust that God is always at work, even when life is darkest… in those moments His light shines brightest! Obey Him, no matter what! Believe that God’s got your back… He will not let you down. 12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 2:12. For much more, listen to FaithWorks Part 2 - Accepting Trials.