Main Scripture passage: James 1:2-18
When we fall into various trials, James tells us how we ought to respond. First, we are to “count it all joy” (v. 2). This does not mean that we are to be happy or giddy at all times, as if nothing were wrong. Rather, James is saying that it is reasonable to be thankful for trials when we know and understand their purpose. If you do not know the purpose of the trial, you will not be thankful for the grief. What then is the purpose? James tells us in verse 4: “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” That is, the goal of our trials is that the glory of God might be reflected in our nature–that we might be spiritually and morally perfect. Therefore, it is reasonable to be grateful for the trial because we know God is working in us to conform us to the image of His Son, with the capacity to experience divine glory, bliss, and happiness. Secondly, we are to endure through the trial. James tells us to let patience have its perfect work. Do not abort the process. If we flee from the trial, God will continue to bring it back until we pass the test. Just as God was faithful to Israel in the wilderness, he will also be faithful to us. Thirdly, in our response to trials, James tell us to pray. Verse 5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” When we are in the midst of a trial, we may not know what God is specifically trying to teach us. We know the general truth–that God is using the trial to conform us to His image–but we may not know the specific thing God is working to perfect. This is when it is appropriate to ask God for wisdom–so that we might know what He is teaching us. To put it another way, it is okay to ask God “why” when it is done in the right spirit. Fourthly, James tells us to boast or to glory in our trials (vv. 9-10). Trials are a mark of God’s profound love for us, and thus we are to glory in the trials. Because God loves us, he proves us, and because God cherishes us, he chastens us. This is something to boast about. Fifthly, we are to continually look to eternity. Verse 12 says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” By looking to heaven, we are reminded of our future reward. Thus we will not complain and grumble. Lastly, James tells us not to be deceived. Although God tests us, He does not tempt us. The temptation to sin when we experience trials comes from our own heart. God is not leading us into sin; He is leading us unto maturity. And when we respond to trials in the wrong way, we want to blame God because we don’t want to be responsible. But James tells us that God does not tempt us. The temptation comes from our own heart. In conclusion, the appropriate response to trials consists in this: we are to “count it all joy”; go through the trial; pray for wisdom, glory in the trial; look to eternity; and not be deceived.