James 1:1-4

 

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

 

 

Have you ever faced a trial that you would rather not had to face? Have you ever wondered what in the world did the Lord have in mind” when He allowed problems to come into your life?

 

 

 

 

 

God Uses Trials to Develop Character: v. 1-4

 

1. Trials motivate us. Proverbs 20:30

Blows and wounds cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the inmost being.”

2. Trials correct us. Psalm 119:71-72

It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. 72The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.”

3. Trials build us. Romans 5:3-4

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

 

Greatness is not determined by what it takes to get a man going”greatness is determined by what it takes to stop a man.”

“Anonymous

God Uses Trials to Create Trust: Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, ‘Destroy him!'”

1. God gives peace in place of emptiness.

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

2. God gives security in place of loneliness. Psalm 16:11

You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

3. God gives answers in place of questions. John 1:9

The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”

4. God gives life in place of death. John 14:1-3

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”