The Book of James (How to Deal with Trials)

The book of James addresses practical issues on Christian living—how to live victoriously in the faith that we have.

James wrote this letter to scattered believers. His purpose was to help them understand and encourage them on their journey toward Christian maturity and holiness of life.

Throughout the letter, James deals with practical issues. Some of the major questions he addresses is:

How do we deal with tough times?

How do we respond when challenges come our way?

James was writing to people whose troubles actually began after they placed their faith in Jesus Christ.

The Bible talks about persecution that broke out among the believers. Some were forced into exile. Others lost their property, their positions, and their means of livelihood. Some who had previously been independent suddenly became dependent on others for survival.

As these hardships increased, many began to question God;

"Lord, You are mighty. You are powerful. You raised Jesus from the dead. You make the lame walk and the blind see. Yet what we are experiencing doesn't seem to match what we expected."

Even today, many Christians experience the same struggle.

We come to Jesus believing everything is going to be alright. Then life seems to go from bad... to worse... and sometimes even to worst.

Today let's look at what James teaches about living practically through difficult times.

Our focus is James Chapter 1, verses 2 to 5.

 

When Trials Come

James begins by saying:

"When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your life..."

Notice he says all kinds of trials. He is not talking about one specific type of trial.

Some people say;

"When trouble comes, it comes with its uncles, aunties, nephews and nieces."

Isn't that true? Sometimes it feels as though when one thing goes wrong, everything begins to go wrong.

James says: "Don't resent them as intruders."

Instead..."Welcome them as friends."

Now that sounds almost unbelievable. Our natural response is usually: "I bind it, I reject it, I cast it out."

But James says something completely different. He says: Welcome them as friends.

Why? Because they have come to test your faith. And when your faith is tested, something begins to happen inside you.

 

The Process Begins

James says trials produce endurance. He encourages us not to interrupt the process, but rather allow endurance to finish its work. When endurance reaches maturity, it produces mature character. And when character matures, God's blessing follows.

That is the progression James presents:

Trials → Endurance → Mature Character → Blessing

Many of us desire the blessing but James reminds us that God often develops character before He releases greater responsibility.

 

What Is a Trial?

A trial is a season of pain and difficulty that tests our patience, faith and perseverance. It is God's refining process. Trials are never easy, they involve suffering and test what we truly believe.

Jesus Himself told His disciples:

"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Notice...

Jesus never promised a trouble-free life. He promised victory through the trouble.

 

Biblical Examples

James' teaching is not new. Throughout Scripture we see faithful men and women who experienced severe trials.

Job

Job was highly recommended by God, Yet he lost his wealth, children, health and reputation. But after the testing, he emerged stronger.

Abraham

God promised Abraham a son, yet  Abraham waited twenty-five years before seeing that promise fulfilled.

Many of God's greatest servants learned endurance before experiencing fulfilment.

 

 

Trials We Face Today

Perhaps today your trial looks different.

Maybe people at your workplace despise you because of your faith. You refuse to take bribes, work honestly, arrive on time, refuse to waste company resources.

Instead of being appreciated, people begin saying,

"You think you're too saved."

Maybe your boss becomes increasingly difficult. Maybe after giving your life to Christ, everything appears to go wrong.

Perhaps you are the eldest daughter in your family. All your younger sisters are now married. You have organised everyone else's wedding, yet your own marriage has delayed.Your relatives keep asking,

"What is wrong?", "How much longer?"

Perhaps after getting married, you have waited years without conceiving. Maybe every pregnancy ends in miscarriage.

Maybe your business barely survives. Maybe after faithfully paying your tithe, your vehicle breaks down or your job is threatened, your finances collapse.

Then the questions begin.

"God, You promised to rebuke the devourer.", "Lord, why is this happening?"

James understands those questions and yet, he still says:

Don't treat trials as intruders, treat them as friends.

 

Our Attitude During Trials

James teaches that the greatest victory begins with our attitude. He says:

"Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds."

Notice carefully...

James does not tell us to rejoice because of the trials. He tells us to rejoice in the midst of the trials.

We do not celebrate pain, we celebrate the God who remains faithful during our pain.

David declared: "I will bless the Lord at all times." 

Peter and John rejoiced after being beaten because they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ.

Jesus Himself said: "Blessed are those who mourn..."

Why? Because God is present even in suffering. The trials themselves are not the blessing, God's presence in the trial is.

And what He produces through the trial...That is the blessing.