Standing On the Word 6/8/2020

James starts his writing with this advise to the early church:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4

He challenges his readers to allow their trials to produce Godly character in them. How? It starts with trials. They come, no matter who you are, where you live, how much you make. You will experience trials. The key is to not allow what you go through to break you, but let it make you. Trials can only make you when you let patience do its work in you. Lessons emerge from the trials we endure. Learn those lessons; embrace them, knowing that the outcome will be well formed maturity, lacking nothing!

When you know the purpose of trials in your life, you can consider your trials as a source of joy because when they come—and they will come—you will know that God is doing a work in you.