Bible Study

Page 20 Happy Father's Day! June 2021 Bible Study...James 1:2-3

"Consider it Joy!"

We tend to get drawn to this Bible verse and other similar verses when we are facing trials, or searching for confidence and endurance. The Lord reveals to us that we will indeed endure hardships, but as we learn in Romans 8:28, "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose."

When we are struck with difficult circumstances, we often ask, "Why?", or "Why me?" and, "Why now?" Satan is quick to move in during these times of doubt and make us question God for our pain and hardships and ask why, in all of His goodness and wisdom, would He allow these things to happen. Satan wants us to be bitter and angry and turn away from the One who knows all and sees all, trying to deceive us into thinking that God just doesn't care.

But God's word constantly reminds us that He does understand and He is in control of all things and that nothing happens that He does not allow. God will give us the strength to persevere. Isaiah 43:2 says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame

shall not consume you." In this chapter, James tells us that during the trials of life, God wants us to trust Him. During these difficult times, God molds us into spiritual maturity so that we become more like Jesus, our Lord and Savior. If we continue to trust Him, He will use our trials for His glory. If we pray for wisdom, God will respond and give us His peace that passes all understanding, which will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Phil 4:7), so that we are able to see the good and purpose in trials. We are drawn together as brothers in Christ in hard times. We turn to and seek prayers from

our church family and friends. We see faith in action and learn many valuable lessons. Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." 1 Peter 3:12 says, "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." Our trials and how we trust in the Lord to overcome them can also sometimes renew other people's faith and bring them into a deeper relationship with Christ. Later on in the chapter, James tells us that if we endure and remain faithful through it all, our reward awaits us in heaven. We may have sorrow while on this earth, but it isn't a sorrow that is without hope. We have a peace and an assurance in our heart that some day we will meet our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face, and spend all of eternity in His glorious presence. What a blessed hope! Do you share that hope? If you do, then you know the peace that I'm talking about. If you don't, just know that God's grace and mercy and plan of salvation is free for all who call upon His Name, so don't delay, I pray ... call upon Him today! James 1:2-3: "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."