Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds. – James 1:2
The book of James reminds believers what it takes to be a mature Christian. James deals with differing problems and issues, describing the spiritual maturity that should show up in response. Christian scholar and author Warren Wiersbe wrote, “Spiritual maturity is one of the greatest needs in churches today. Too many churches are playpens for babies instead of workshops for adults. The members are not mature enough to eat the solid spiritual food that they need, so they have to be fed milk… God is looking for mature men and women to carry on His work, & sometimes all He can find are little children who cannot even get along with each other.”
Today’s verse refers to the tough times that God allows to come into your life. Those are times when you find out what your faith is made of and challenge your perspective. In difficult seasons, remember that God is at work! Joy in those times comes in knowing that through it all, God is there, holding you up and deepening your walk with Him. As C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers in our pleasures but shouts in our pain.” Be thankful for His shouting and be joyful that your spiritual ears heard Him, “Come unto me and rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Pray for pastors and teachers and the things God permits to test and mature them. Intercede for the congressional chaplains as they minister to national legislators.
Today’s Verse: James 1:2
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: James 1:2-12
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
