We all have faced and will face many tests. How we manage those tests depends on us. Some tests we study for, as in academic. As believers, we should be studying our Bibles continually, which means we are to read it.
Some tests we prepare for, as in medical tests. These we do not study for but there are actions we must complete prior to those medical tests. Spiritually speaking, there are procedures we must do to prepare ourselves for spiritual tests. Prayer, seeking the Lord’s guidance.
In verse 1:
James, the brother of Jesus, authors this book to encourage the Christians. It still applies today. This scripture deals with enduring trials and temptations, which we will call tests.
In verse 2:
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Temptation here refers to trials or tests. Why would we want to be joyous about a test? Notice the scripture did not say if we face a test, but when we face a test. Get ready, tests will come. We do not have to pretend to be happy during tests, but we should have a cheerful outlook of what the results will be. The test could be hard, but it is during the test that we become stronger as we keep focused on Christ.
In verse 3:
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
The trying means testing and worketh means to producing. We are to learn to wait upon the Lord, and the patience will build character. When we learn to trust in God, we can become a better person. We should be heading toward maturity in Christ, instead of staying babes in Christ.
In verse 4:
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
We could rephrase the verse like this, let patience have her full effect, that ye may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. We are to grow in our Christian walk. The sooner we start to prepare ourselves for tests and learning to trust in God, the sooner we will start to grow. We should not complain about the tests. Those tests that we go through are for the edification of Christ, for his glory.
In verse 5:
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Having wisdom means to have the ability to make wise decisions during challenging times. It does not come to you overnight, it takes time, and it comes from God. Our goals for the tests are not to be self-centered, but God centered.
In verse 6:
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he, that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Do not doubt what God can and will do. Do not doubt His ability, His ways, or His timing. The answer may not be what we think it should be. It will be the answer we need. A wavering mind is convinced that God’s way is better. To waver is like human advice that we can have an option for. We must be in line with God by setting our hearts and minds on Him and putting ourselves in His will.
We should ask ourselves:
• When will the test be given? – At any time. Some people may need a little more schooling that others.
• How will the test be given? – That is dependent individual situations.
• How do we pass the test? – prepare ourselves, study the Word, wait upon the Lord.
We should not pray for the removal of the trial, but for the wisdom to make the right use of it.
