Series: Under Pressure Pt2
Title: Winning Over Weariness
Text: James 1:1-6a; selected
Date: January 12, 2025

POST: Weariness is more than being tired, it is the absence of rest in my body, mind, and emotions.

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV): Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

“Am I fully prepared to allow God to grip me by His power and do a work in me that is truly worthy of Himself?” Oswald Chambers, August 14 MUFHH

James 1:1-6a (NLT): This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! 2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone.

CAUSES OF WEARINESS AND THEIR CURES

1. Obstacles can cause weariness.

James 2:14, 19-20 (NLT): What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? ... 19You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. 20 How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

- When you’re weary from obstacles, do the next __________________ thing. (James 2:21-25)

2. Overwhelming odds can cause weariness.

James 4:10-11 (NLT): For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.

POST: Joy is not the absence of overwhelming odds; joy is realizing there is hope in the middle of them.

James 4:11b: NIV: …The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

- When you’re weary from overwhelming odds, choose ______________ and a few friends to hope with you.

3. Opportunities can cause weariness.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV): But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV): Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

James 3:13 (NIV): Who is wise and understanding among you. Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

- When you’re weary from sinful or trivial opportunities, choose to do ______________________ with what God has placed before you, today.

“Time is a tyrant. It consumes choices left unmade. The only choices that live are the ones that are taken ... when you choose the good, when you choose to move with God, nothing can stop you from fulfilling God’s purpose for your life.” Chasing Daylight, Erwin McManus