James 1
"Count it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." - James 1:2-8
We do meet trials of various kinds. Trials in our marriages, trials in raising children, trials at work, health trials. We are to consider it joy when we meet these trials because they test our faith and, if we handle them biblically, produce endurance. The ultimate result will be that we are mature and complete as individual believers.
If we lack wisdom in facing trials, we may simply ask God for wisdom, which he gives generously. His wisdom comes through his word, his Spirit, and his people, the church. But the one who asks for wisdom must ask with an attitude of faith, with no doubting. The one who doubts is double-minded and unstable in all his ways.
Father, help me to ask you for wisdom as a Christian minister and church elder. I want to make sure I am fulfilling my calling and not getting swept aside by circumstances. I want to make sure I am praying in faith. Help me to believe in you more. Build endurance in my life through the trials I face.
I pray for the men in our church, some of whom are double-minded and unstable. Build up their faith so that they may get wisdom from you. May they be doers of the word and not hearers only (v. 22).
Thank you for this morning Bible study. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman