Life According To Jim - Lessons From Jesus' Brother, JamesSample

James jumps right into his letter with what seems like an impossible challenge in verse 2. He says, “when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” All of us have found out that this world is full of trouble, but our culture’s response is that we can pursue a life of ease or luxury if we just work enough or just have enough money.

James’ response is completely the opposite. He says our faith grows when it’s tested. The only way for us to be complete and needing nothing is to let our faith fully mature. This only happens through the endurance we attain through hard times.  

Any athlete will tell you that endurance doesn’t come overnight. It takes years of training and pushing yourself further and further to grow your endurance. This is how James views trials: they are a great opportunity for our faith to grow, for us to become more complete, needing nothing. 

This is definitely not our natural posture; how does this challenge your perspective on trials in life?