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Finding JOY In Trials | How Can We Rejoice in Trials?

January 2, 2022 Speaker: Pastor Scott Slaughter Series: FAITH THAT WORKS!, The Epistle of James

Topic: Discipleship, God's Will, Obedience to God, Faith, Saving Faith, Effectual Calling, False Faith, Curiosity, God, Sovereignty, Power, Person, Holiness, Love Scripture: James 1:1–4

James writes to a group of believers about various aspects of the Christian life. The first of these is that of trials and how the believer is to respond to them. Often, instead of responding in humble submission to God, we resist the spiritual tests that He sends our way. Some may ask, “How do we resist what we cannot control?” That is a good question that needs answering. We can resist the sanctifying work of God through the means of afflictions in two ways. Sometimes, we endure the difficulties but become angry with God that He has brought this into our lives or because, though He has the power, He has not delivered us from it. In other words, we become bitter. Other times, we simply run. We run from the situation, the pain, even from God Himself, like Jonah. We run to what we think will be easier and more comfortable. Instead of running or becoming bitter, James calls on God’s people to recognize by faith God’s love and purpose for trials. We should pray for the grace to stay where He has placed us allowing Him to accomplish His will in our lives - His will to make us holy. Finding joy in trials is possible if we follow James' teaching. Understanding that God uses all sorts of trials in the life of the believer to strengthen his faith, fit him/her for greater usefulness, and mold him more and more to the image Jesus Christ will bring us joy in the midst of hardships.