Faith Developed and Lived Out: James 1 in Actionნიმუში

I have never heard a single person say, “I really enjoy a good trial, persecution or hard season.” Nope. Not once. And yet, ask anyone to share the most important lesson they have learned in life. After they answer, ask them how they learned that lesson.

I can almost guarantee you they’re going to share about a trial, persecution, or hard season. Years ago, in the midst of a hard season, I felt God’s Spirit whisper to mine…

“Faith is never forged in the fires of comfort.”

It makes sense that James writes about a faith, shaped by trials, fully-developed and making us “mature and complete” before he writes about asking for wisdom. That request must be coupled with faith. Not a weak, surface-level faith. But rather, a mature, complete, fire-forged faith.

That’s the kind of request our generous Father is happy to grant, without any blame or shame.

For Reflection & Discussion

• What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life?
• How did you learn that lesson?
• What are you walking through right now that God might be using as a “testing of your faith?”
• Where do you need God’s wisdom today or in the upcoming weeks?

NOTE: This plan covers days 21-25 from my book James Scripture Journey: A 40-Day Bible Study in the Book of James