(James 1:2-5) …Facing Trials?…Ask God for Wisdom…

Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Our lives are full of various trials. We all experience life circumstances that are challenging trials. They are a normal part of our Christian lives. Everyone of us are facing trials—whether economic, relational, or physical. 

No one is exempt. 

It is important that we understand trials—challenging circumstances of life—as being normal, not abnormal.

We are fallen (imperfect), others are fallen, and we live in a world that is fallen. How can we think trials would not exist as a normal part of life? 

The real issue for Christians is how do we respond to trials and difficult circumstances in our lives.

Do we face them with faith and trust in God?

Or do we fall into temptation and become fearful and angry?

Do we allow trials to control us (our thinking and emotions), or do we actively face life’s trials by asking God for wisdom (James 1:5)?

When we understand that when we walk through trials depending on God’s strength, we grow and mature in our faith. Paradoxically, it is through trials that force us to surrender and depend fully on God’s grace and power. We often grow in our faith when times are difficult, not when life is easy and full of roses.

We often do not know how to navigate the trials we face in life. We do not know what to do. We feel helpless. We can’t solve our problems in our own strength. 

So, what is the answer in facing trials and challenging circumstances in our lives? 

The answer is too continually ask God for wisdom!  

Wisdom is not book knowledge, but how should we face and navigate the complexities and the difficult circumstances in our lives. 

James tells us that God will guide us and give us wisdom!

When you face trials in your life, do you ask God for wisdom? 

Do you see trials in your life as a doorway to Christian maturity?

Or do you fall into fear and anxiety, and make things worse?

Let’s ask God for wisdom in our life’s trials, and he will guide us through our difficult circumstances in life.

That is if you have ears to hear him.