Life. It happens. We never know what will happen next. If you are like me, I want to avoid problems and pain in life. Why do we have pain? Why is life tough and not always easy? Sometimes I do not admit that I have pain in my life. I try to push it away as if it just quickly dissolves into thin air! Other times I can feel sorry for myself to the point that I miss out on seeing the needs in other people. Lastly, I will simply complain. Complain to God, myself and those closest to me. No matter what happens, God does not waste pain.
What do we do when life gets tough?
“Dear brothers and sisters when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:2-6
Troubles in life are inescapable. It is not a matter of “if” but “when” we will face trouble in life. Our culture runs away from problems at a rapid pace. We are a generation of "avoiders." We run to vacations, video games, movies, and drugs to escape problems. It is a continual search for the perfect resort moment where we think all of our problems will go away. Many people spend their lives running from pain instead of embracing pain.
Is joy the same as Happiness? Happiness is based upon circumstances, emotion and life decisions. James is talking about trials that prove a person’s intentions.
How do you respond with trials in life? James gives us the specific way to handle trials.
1. Thank God for His grace. (v. 2)Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. “What do you want me to learn from this instead of please TAKE this away…” It is not thanking God FOR the trial but what God will do THROUGH it.
2. Seek God's Wisdom. (James 1:5) First, ask God for help. Then, find a small group or personal friend who can help you. We are not meant to live alone in our problems.
3. Trust God. (James 1:6)
God allows trials in life for us to grow in our faith. God allows trials for good, not evil.