This month is our James Study! Today, we are going to dive into chapter 1: trials and temptations. Life sometimes gives us trials big and small that test our faith, but what life doesn’t know is that we have a God who gives us the strength and perseverance we need to
stand up to any test that comes our way.
“Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:4 In our trials we need to ask God for the wisdom to help us keep pushing forward, “…but when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6. We need to put our full heart and trust in God and his word, for he has all the answers. I would say that my biggest trial right now is virtual learning and social distancing. I got a glimpse of it last semester, but I figured that would’ve been the last time. I am a face-to-face learner. I love getting to know my teachers and classmates, and feeling the energy in the room. Now I am closed off by the screen, but I know that there is something greater coming out of this like: knowing how to work anywhere, calling my family members more, and getting closer to God. I found the silver lining in this trial and I pray about it daily. I will always remember this: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 Along with trials there’s also temptation. Temptations lurk around every single corner like shadows, tempting us to do evil. But we have to remember: “When tempted, no one should say “God is tempting me.” for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone.” James 1:13
God is good, and he wants us to do good as well. God is like the ultimate flashlight, he shines the brightest and never runs out.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above coming down from the father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 Temptations can come to you through people, desires, jealousy, anger and many more, but we have to keep our eyes on God for he is the right path. So, when we get tempted to go somewhere or do something we know we shouldn’t be doing or feel uneasy about, think about this, if God were to come right now, is this what you would want Him to see you doing?
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