The Testing of Faith

I am studying the book of James and will be blogging down my reflections and insights to share with the rest of you. I pray you will be blessed and encouraged in the Lord. - Andrew

JAS 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Greetings.

JAS 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

The letter was written to the Jewish Christians who were new converts then (also applicable to all believers). The greatest problem was the lack of spiritual maturity. In this section James deals with the subject of trial. The word "trials" describes things that put a person to the test. They may be difficulties that come from without, such as persecution (vv. 2-4), or they may be inner moral tests, such as temptations to sin (vv. 13-18). James is saying that we can rejoice when we face problems caused by people, objects, or circumstances that try one's faith.

The first thing that usually comes to our mind when we face tough times in our lives is “Why me?” The book of James teaches us that we can be victorious when facing those times if we know about the facts of problems, the values behind them and determine to respond appropriately. (Read on...)

“whenever you face trials of many kinds”

Facts of life:
- problems are inevitable (they are no respecters of person)
- problems are unpredictable (they cannot be scheduled)
- problems come in different forms, and usually more than one
- problems don’t last forever
- problems are purposeful

3 values of problems:
- problems purify our faith
- problems develop our patience
- problems builds up our character

God’s ultimate purpose in our lives is to build the character of Christ in our lives. He can do it by:
1) Circumstances (James 1: 3-4)
2) His Word sanctifies us (John 17:7)

In my reflection, I feel that many times God has to use circumstances to mould our character because we have not spent enough time meditating on His Word and acting on it in obedience to allow the truths to take root in our lives. Could it be that if we were to take the Word of God seriously, God would not have to allow us to go through as many challenging circumstances in our lives to mould our character? If that is the case, what would your response be?


How then should we handle problems?

James taught us that we should:
1) Rejoice
This is not positive thinking or taking joy in suffering. We do not rejoice for the problems but we rejoice in the problems for they are opportunities for us to grow in our faith as we go through them. The Bible teaches us to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thes 5:18) because He has a purpose for us (Rom 8:28). Although all people face problems, the great difference between believers and pre-believers is that believers can take comfort because God is with them in times of trials and He is in control. Therefore, our attitude (to choose to rejoice) makes the difference in difficult times.

2) Pray continually
Ask for wisdom (verse 5) in 2 things:
i) What is the Lord teaching you through the trials?
(Change your question from “Why me?” to “What are You teaching me, Lord?”)
ii) What are the right decisions to make in those times?

3) Rest in the Lord
Let go and let God work in your life. Believe that He will see you through. Focus on His sovereignty and faithfulness.

Personal Application
1) Are you going through a tough time in your life?
2) Choose to rejoice because He has a purpose
3) Pray for wisdom
4) Rest in Him


Andrew Koh