Real Faith Grows In Hard Times Series

The nature of times that may be hard and harsh... times of loss... is that they help us put life into perspective. We do well to ask ourselves...what am I holding too tightly...and what do I need to take hold of even more tightly?

This season that we could tend to see as one of loss... could become a season of significant growth... if we welcome our faith to be tested...ask God for wisdom... and can see life more clearly.

Finally, James encourages us...

James 1:12 (NLT) ?God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

There is a blessing that comes when our faith can be patient and endure. [6] I imagine that many of us sense that patience and endurance are being tested in this time. Some of us may have lost sight of the goal. Like climbers who are trying to reach a summit....but because of harsh weather...they can’t see it. And they have a hard time finding the heart to keep going. Some of us may have lost sight of the goal...of what God can do in this time.

So James concludes... that when troubles come....

4. Stay the Course (v. 12)

James reminds us that our current conditions are only our current conditions. There is a goal...and the most important issue now...is how to become more prepared to reach that goal.

Life will bring troubles and trials no matter what... the question is whether we will just waste the challenges of this season... or whether we will get the rewards.

We are launching this series because we want to gain all that God has. I want to challenge you to stay the course for this entire series so you can learn what God wants you to learn in a crisis. The book of James was meant for these kinds of situations.

So I want to invite us to pray. I invite you to join me in bowing our heads and bringing ourselves before God.

If you've never opened your life to Jesus Christ, say something like this. "Jesus Christ, come into my life. Replace my fear with your love. Replace my guilt with your forgiveness. Fill me with your purpose and your power and your peace. I want to trust you in your name."

I understand that you have a purpose even in this pandemic. And I realize today that this season like others... is not just about personal comfort.... but about personal growth. May the uncertainty of this season... be an opportunity to grow in faith.... in trusting you. May you develop my endurance. Jesus... in this time in which the circumstances may seem more closed off.... I know that you are here. I welcome your presence... to be with me... to teach me.

Resources:

Richard Tow: Rick Warren - A Faith That Isn't Troubled By Troubles; David Wilson (James: An introduction and exposition of James I)

Notes:

1a. The people of Israel had never stayed faithful to God... the prophets of God had been killed or passed on...and there had now been 400 years of silence.) The people were so defined by their loss as a great nation people that they were seeking a great warrior who would rise up like King David from the past...and conquer Rome. So when Jesus began his ministry... James was not one of his 12 disciples. I imagine he was amazed at all he did hear and see... the spiritual authority and power...but it didn’t make sense until after he was sacrificed on the cross and rose from the dead.