If there is one truth that I have been painfully aware of through the preparation of this sermon series, it is that trouble is a part of life. Job’s friend, Eliphaz, put it this way: “Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Or you could say, “people are born to trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire” (Life Application Bible).

Rather than shrinking from problems, we should be expecting them. In the first chapter of James’ letter, he assumes that we will have troubles in life. Then, he goes on to teach that it is possible to profit from these experiences. You are very familiar with the second verse of James 1: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” Now, that is hard to do. How are we supposed to be joyful when we are miserable?

Continuing on James says that “when faith is tested, endurance has a chance to grow. And when endurance is fully developed we will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 2:3-4). In our fast-pace life patience and endurance seem like an imposition. Our culture doesn’t seem to value these characteristics. We want instant answers…instant relief. But God says that patience will make us perfect. How does that happen? I think trials help us to know God better and to see ourselves more clearly. Testing reveals exactly what is in our heart.

Patience doesn’t happen in an instant, or it wouldn’t be patience! The process of learning patience and the process of learning to trust God perfects us. When the storm clouds roll in, we can trust that God will be there to walk with us and, in His time, to provide a way of escape. God wants us to trust Him enough to say, “I will patiently endure whatever You allow to come into my life in order to glorify You.”

While we’re waiting for the seas to part, James tells us that we need to experience pure joy. Do I hear someone whistling: “God will make a way…?”

DWR