Wisely Enduring Trials

Feb. 26

Read: James 1:5-8

Wisely Enduring Trials

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (v.5)

I have often read verse 5 in a vacuum. It is easy to lose sight of the fact that it is sandwiched in the midst of a discussion on facing trials and difficulties. When we find ourselves facing hardship in this world, we don’t think that what we need is wisdom… do we? More often than not, we think what we need is COMFORT or a SOLUTION, but not wisdom. The truth of the matter is that we need WISDOM to endure the process of a trial that tests our faith and leads to steadfastness. It is not an “automatic” result that all difficulty and hardships birth steadfastness. It is possible to experience something miserable and have it be just that … a miserable experience.

When we find ourselves facing hardship and difficulty, we need to be able to stop in the moment and ask the Lord, “What do I need to know about this situation and what do I need to do?” This is how we can “wisely” face trials and tribulations of every type. (v.5) When we ask these questions, we must ask them while seeking the Lord in both word and in deed. This is what it means to “ask in faith”. (v.6) Imagine something to this effect: a drunk person is calling out to the Lord in their discomfort… asking “Why am I feeling sick?” Meanwhile, they are continuing to drink more while they call out. This “trial” is not a testing of faith… it is a consequence of one’s actions. One does not imagine a person who is acting like this is going to hear a lot from the Lord in that moment… one moment looking to the Lord…. another looking towards the bottle… they are “tossed and turned” like a wave. That is what we have here:

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” (v.6-8)

Trials of every type only lead to steadfastness in faith when we are “in faith” seeking the Lord. When we face trials while we are running away from the Lord or do not believe that the Lord even exists we cannot expect that we will be in a fit place to then receive wisdom.

What sort of “wisdom” can you expect the Lord to share with you in these moments? In the upcoming verses we will see this unpacked, but here is a quick sample. Amid trials, the Lord will share wise words such as :

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deut. 3:16)

“The one in you is greater than the one who attacks you in this world.” (1 John 4:4)

“Your life is in my hands, I’ve got your back!” (Matt. 6:27)

“I have not forgotten about you.” (Romans 8)

“There is life in my son Jesus.” (John 10:10)

“We are going to get through this.” (Heb. 12:1,2)

“There are better days ahead.” (Rev. 21)

If we lack wisdom while suffering in faith we need only ask. The Lord will remind us of what we need to know and do so that our trials are not in vain - rather they are these opportunities to develop steadfastness in the face of adversity. The greatest piece of wisdom is this, to know that the Lord is FOR HIS CHILDREN and not against them. He is NOT seeking to destroy you. In fact, it is quite the opposite; He has come to rescue us in and through his son Jesus. Ask him what you need to know about today, and he will tell you! Love you guys. - JDP