GETTING STARTED
I worked with a mother whose toddler was diagnosed with cancer. As her child experienced the journey of numerous tests, chemotherapy, and surgery, I watched how publicly she and her family celebrated small victories and boasted about their faith in God and his endless love. Her child was prodded with needles and infused with bags of toxic medicine. Their small family had spent countless, expensive, and uncomfortable nights in the hospital. Yet, on his face was the biggest smile and the brightest, most hopeful blue eyes. This is what pure joy in the midst of pain looks like.
- How do you respond when you experience life’s most difficult challenges?
READ THE WORD: JAMES 1:1-4 (ESV)
1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
DIGGING DEEPER
- Who is the author of this letter, and to whom was he writing?
- There are two themes in this passage: hardship and perseverance. What did James say was the purpose of hardship? What did he tell us about perseverance?
- How is joy distinct from happiness? What must we choose to believe (faith), if we are to consider trials pure joy?
- James called himself a servant (a “slave”) of God and Jesus. What is the significance of considering yourself a slave of God the Father and Jesus? How does this understanding affect your daily life?
- Would others who observe your life identify you as a person who is completely surrendered to the will of God? How are you different when experiencing personal hardships?
RESPOND TO GOD
All of us at some point in life will experience trials. As servants of God and followers of Jesus Christ, sometimes we will experience hardship more than others. These trials can be physical pain, financial struggles, or persecution for standing on Christian principles in a crowd of those who choose to turn from God. God’s intentions in allowing trials are never to harm us, but to strengthen our character through perseverance and unwavering faith, and to bring glory and honor to his name.
- Ask God to give you joy and strength to trust and obey him while suffering trials in living a surrendered life.
- Praise God for the spiritual maturity and perfected character you receive through your enduring faith.