Facing your trials with joy is an unnatural thing to do and that’s why the message in James is so powerful.

Welcome to the study of the book of James!! I am so glad that you are here and I hope you will be blessed beyond anything that you could ever imagine!!

I hope that you will take advantage of the resources that I am including in this faith study. There is a workbook to help you apply what you are learning. I might even include some Bible Journaling Art ideas to stretch your study to a new level.

I want this faith study to be doable for the busy mom with littles as well as the mom who works from home or outside of her home. We need to daily get into God’s Word in order not to backslide and to stay close to his side without taking an hour or two. Most of us do not have the luxury of that much time!!

Let’s dig right in!!

Digging Deeper: James 1:1-18

Key Verse: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

Start by reading this passage slowly. I like to read it through a couple of times to be sure what I am reading sinks into my mind and heart.

Typically, it is easy to look at trials as something bad that is evil and has nothing good in it. Instead, I want to suggest that you look at your trials as something good that is from God.

The whole purpose of our difficulties in life is so that God can work a faith-producing endurance in us.

1. Facing Your Trials with Prayer

The book of James teaches us faith-strengthening lessons on how to walk with Christ. One of the ways you can do this is through prayer. If you look closely at the verses in this passage, you will see how you can look to God in prayer when life is difficult. It doesn’t exactly say to pray, so look again if you didn’t notice it.

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. 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. James 1:5-6

• PRAY when you need direction and WISDOM!
• PRAY with FAITH and do not waver or totter!

The person who doubts is like the surging sea. Trials can sure seem like the waves are coming at you from all directions and are crashing against you with tremendous pressure.

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, James 1:2

2. Facing Your Trials with Joy

You have a bunch of littles, your house is in disarray, and maybe your husband’s patience with you is nowhere to be seen!

Let’s be real. Marriage isn’t always perfect as the storybook says. Every day isn’t even like the happiness of your wedding day.

Far from it!!

Chances are, that your trials are connected to your marriage somehow.

A while back we had the footing drains fail around our house which meant it had to all be dug up like a moat around the entire structure.

I don’t remember if this was one of ‘our times’ or not but when huge unexpected expenses occur, a marriage is put to an extreme test.

Tell me I’m wrong!!

James (the half-brother of Jesus) is being very real here. He knows you, his reader, is under a lot of pressure with trials that go beyond endurance.

Nevertheless (I love that word) he is encouraging you (and so am I) to hang in there and have GREAT JOY when you are experiencing all sorts of trials!!

Whaaaat??

Yes!!

You need to know that through experiences like this, you will grow exponentially and your faith will produce ENDURANCE.

So amazing!!

A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. ~James 1:12~

So take heart and look at the surging sea as an experience that will grow you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Has this faith-study been an encouragement to you? Share how it has been blessing and growing you as you walk with Christ through life’s trials.

Missed previous posts on the book of James? GO HERE!!