2 sundays ago, I began a new sermon series out of the book of James. The theme of James is that we as believers should have a faith that is alive. In every area of life, our faith should live and breath. Too often, I’m afraid, we live such segmented lives. We have our church life, family life, social life, and so on; but the idea of a divided life should not be in the thought of believers. In His atonement for us, Christ purchased us by his blood and he now lives in us and through us to accomplish his will and to conform us to his image. Therefore, our lives should be marked by genuine faith in him and a faith that transcends every facet of our being. To this end, James wrote and encouraged, often strongly, the church to live out their faith each day.
One of the greatest difficulties in living out our faith is when we face trials. These times of suffering and hardship can rattle and shake our trust in the Lord alone. James teaches us that God uses trials in the live of his people to test our faith and to grow us up in the faith. Believers, understanding that God is using trials for his purpose and glory are called upon to seek, by/in/with faith the wisdom that God gives so generously. Trials are not meant to tear down our faith but rather they meant to building us, maturing us, and shaping us to live by God’s perspective and to live with His identity.
We cannot pretend they are pretty nor can we wear rose color glasses when we consider the harshipd of this life. We can simply trust in the soveriegn goodness of our God and live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us. Only then, can we consider it pure joy when we fall into various trials…
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