The Book of James is one of the earliest letters of the NT and possibly the first to be written. After the murder of Stephen, who was one of the most dynamic preachers of the Gospel, persecution of Christians became more intense and this caused Christians to scatter throughout the area to seek protection. These early Christians did not have the support of local established congregations such as we have today. But this James who was the half brother of Jesus, was the leader of the Jerusalem church at the time was concerned with their well-being and attempted to encourage them in their faith during these trying times. Over the next several weeks we will study this book and prayerfully draw encouragement ourselves during our current trial.

(James 1:1-8) James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion. Greetings. Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.

James doesn’t pretend these people are not experiencing trials and knows they will experience even more in the future. We know this because he uses the word “whenever” in verse two. He is assuming they will have trials, but he encourages them that they can get through it and even more that they can learn from it. James is not just being an optimist and is not suggesting these people ignore their trials completely and pretend nothing is wrong. What he is suggesting is they can have a positive outlook of their trial because this is the very thing that will produce maturity in their lives.

In these verses James teaches us that our hardships can be a time of learning if we are paying attention. But what can we learn?

Our Trials can teach us Perseverance (v 2)

James plainly says in these verses that testing of faith will produce endurance. But he says we must be patient and allow the endurance to work completely in our lives. It is the only way to mature in Christ.

Our Trials will reveal our Character (v 2-4)

Everyone knows that it is simple to show kindness to others when things are going well in our lives. But is it as simple to show that same kindness when we are under pressure or persecution? How about when someone is treating us unfairly?

James says that God’s goal is to grow us unto mature Christians and that is going to cause some pain along the way. But complaining about our trials will not help the situation. These times should be seen as opportunities for growth in the Christian life. The truth here is that you and I can’t know the depth of our character until we are under pressure. But James encourages us that we can ask for wisdom.

We can ask God for Wisdom (v 2-5)

We can and should thank Him for being with us during hard times. We should ask Him for the strength and common sense to endure. God is not going to leave us alone in our problems and trials. He will stay close and wants to help you grow in His Son Christ.

The wisdom James talks about in not just head knowledge. It is the wisdom to make wise decisions during difficult times. He says if we lack wisdom then ask God. This is prayer. We can pray. And when we pray and ask for wisdom, He will give it to us generously. We don’t have to stumble around trying to find our way. We can and should ask God for the wisdom to guide our choices.