“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5
When James says, “trials of various kinds,” he has several things in mind, which he brings up later. Many of his readers have lost family connections and are being persecuted because they now follow Christ. The trials they endure are favoritism, humiliation, abuse of power, and poverty, among others. James doesn’t urge them to claim promises of happiness and success. He calls them to see the fruit in remaining faithful. Like a ship sailing through stormy seas, we will reach the other side if we remain on course.
Questions
- Name a situation in which you can clearly see the benefit of remaining faithful despite trials and opposition.
- When do you find it most difficult to hope in the Lord during a trial?
- What do you think being “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” means?
- Have you asked God for wisdom in trials? What has been your experience with that?
- Is it possible that the wisdom God has generously given us is primarily written in the Bible?
Pray
God, we confess that we often don’t handle trials well. We need your grace and wisdom to have perspective to think of our struggles with hope. Deliver us from the moment. Help us remain steadfast through hard times. By your grace, we will love you more than we love ourselves. By your wisdom, we will be wiser than those who persecute us. Give us an eternal perspective that can see the rainbow through the rain and remember your promises.
This devotion is adapted from the James Study Guide. Pick up a copy today for only $9.99. The Study Guide includes a 15-week curriculum, a small group study, a group inductive study, as well as 75 daily devotions for your personal or family worship.
