You Can Trust God

GETTING STARTED

Sometimes, like they did for Job, trials come because Satan wants to ruin us. Other times, as with King David, trials result from our own sin. Occasionally, as with the apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-10), God intends them solely to build Christ-like character. Trusting the Lord during trials is really tough. Often, we ask, “Why, God?” Rarely do we ever thank God for the problems we face. I would like to say I have never failed to thank God in such cases, but I can’t.  But as I walk with through life with him, I see God’s faithfulness more and more.

  • Reflect on events where you fit into each category of trials above. What was God’s purpose for you during these times?

READ THE WORD: JAMES 1:16-18 (ESV)

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. Who was James speaking to in this passage (vs. 16)?  What was his warning?
  2. In verse 17, “good gift” denotes the act of giving, while “perfect gift” stresses the thing given. Why do you think James would describe gifts in these different ways?
  3. Why is it important that we see God as our source of light, always 100% reliable?  
  4. According to this passage, who initiates salvation? How and why? What should our response be?
  5. What trial or temptation are you facing? How are you trusting in God’s unchanging goodness and grace toward you in the midst of it?

RESPOND TO GOD

Does God really have our best interests in mind? We must decide. This passage declares he reached out to us first. We’re redeemed by his choice, not ours. Does it make sense that after saving us he wouldn’t continue intending our good, instead setting us up to fail (see also Romans 8:28-31)? NEVER! Still we struggle with this truth from his Word. But when we walk by faith, believing him for outcomes we cannot see, we bring him glory.

  • Pray: Lord, help me to take you at your word, never doubting your goodness or trustworthiness. May my life bring you glory today and forever.