(James 1:2-16) Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Reminder:
"praying effectively" involves knowing God's will. When we pray in His will (in His name), He
may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like,
or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!
It is God's will:
- that the believer who is poor should be content and joyful, and see it as a blessing (1:9)
- that the believer who is rich should be humble and realize that this earthly wealth is very temporary (1:10-11)
- that we do not accuse God of tempting us, because temptation comes out of our own lusts, and becomes a sin if we act on it (1:13-15)
- that we stay in God's will as we endure tests and trials, so that we experience the best outcomes possible (1:4)
- that we have joy and see it as a blessing when we go through tests and trials, because it will bring about a stronger faith that is more enduring (1:2-4)
- that we persevere through tests and trials knowing that we will be rewarded in heaven (1:12)
- that we confidently ask God for wisdom and it will be given to us, but do not doubt when asking (1:5-6)
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your provision of wisdom. Help us to ask for more wisdom with confidence. We know it is Your will for us to understand, and we know that when we ask for things in Your will, You will answer our prayers. Guide us in Your truth and strength, through whatever circumstance we find ourselves in.
Help us to experience joy and confidence, no matter what we are going through. And help us to be content with what we have, so that we will not lust for things we do not have. Keep us strong and focused on You as we go through good times, as well as tests and trials. Help our faith to grow stronger in You when faced with challenges, as we rely on You more and more.
Through unwavering faith, may others see Your hand in our lives, and see how much You bless us in so many unexpected ways. May doors of opportunity be opened because of this. All to Your glory, amen.
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