Throughout July, we are focusing on the Book of James at Union. It's our Bible Book of the Month and the focus of our July Sermon Series, Practical Faith. The Book of James is a concise guide and tool kit of practical wisdom for faith-filled living. James highlights the importance of following Jesus with a Practical Faith—a faith that goes beyond rhetoric and is active rather than passive.
James offers these jarring words in the opening chapter, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds..." This call to find joy in trials may seem paradoxical, but it's a profound truth. Each trial we face is an opportunity for growth and an opportunity for gaining wisdom from God.
Many who heard James' letter may have believed that trials were a punishment from God. Sadly, some still believe that today. Brothers and sisters, our trials are not from God or of God in any way, shape, or form. Scripture teaches that goodness comes from God, and God works all the ups and downs of life together for our ultimate good.
James further testifies to this truth, writing: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." In the midst of life's uncertainties, we can find solace in the unchanging nature of God. His constant presence gives us comfort, assurance, and courage on the journey.
Yet, even still, we will face trials because we live in an imperfect world where we face difficult and daunting pathways on the journey. While these pathways are not from God, each one is a chance to learn more about God's sustaining goodness and ask for his wisdom. Remember that Jesus taught his disciples that, "in this world, you will have trouble, but I leave you my peace."
Yes, life will give us lumps and bumps along the way, but these struggles don't have to define us. We can walk through each trial with Jesus at our side, continually looking for how he wants to grow and enlarge our faith, wisdom, and understanding of him. James says it this way: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This promise reminds us that in our trials, God is ready to provide the wisdom we need to navigate through them with Jesus.
I pray that James' practical wisdom speaks to you this week! Choose joy in trials not because they are joyful in themselves but because they are opportunities for growth and wisdom. Let's seek to walk through life's storms with faith, knowing that Jesus will be with us through it all! Amen.