How to Profit from Trials
May 9, 2020
Commentary
James, the half-brother of Jesus Christ and a key leader in the Jerusalem church wrote to scattered Jewish believers (v. 1). These were thriving Jewish-Christian communities in Rome, Alexandria, Cyprus, and cities in Greece and Asia Minor. Many were severely persecuted and even died because of their faith in Jesus. James didn’t say, if we face trials, but when we face trials. He assumes that we will have trials and that it is possible to profit from them. The point is to not to pretend to be happy when we face pain, but to have a positive outlook (“count it all joy” – v. 2) because of what trials can produce in our lives. When a trial comes our way, we should mentally consider that it is for our good because we know that God promises he will not give us more than we can bear (I Corinthians 10:13). We also know that God will be with us in trials (Hebrews 13:5) as He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3).
Divine wisdom (v. 5a) is not some philosophic speculation and intellectual knowledge but is a quality of life whereby a person knows and practices righteousness. This is something that we need in order that we can see our trials in a true light and make proper use of them. The way to get wisdom (v. 5b) that will equip us for the circumstances of life is not acquired by reading, nor from human teachers but only comes through prayer. Furthermore, He gives to all men liberally who ask. It is not restricted to certain nations, to favored classes or particular people but is available to all mankind. Prayer, however, is effective only when we ask in faith (v. 6; Hebrews 11:6). We are not to vacillate between faith and unbelief. That is pleading as it were with boldness, but all the time thinking that it is useless to ask. James declares that the person lacking faith must not think that he shall receive anything (v. 7). He is like a man with two minds who is undecided in every step he takes. If you want to stop being tossed about, rely on God to show you what is best for you. Ask the Lord for wisdom and have faith that He will give it to you (vv. 6-8). Then your decisions will be solid.
Application
About 25 years ago I had to have a gall bladder operation? It wasn’t fun but it was good for me. I considered it good because I knew that without the operation I would be in pain or perhaps even die from this. Because I knew it was for my good, I could let the doctor cut me open and fix what was wrong. If there was anything I was unsure about I could simply ask the doctor. I need to treat the trials of this life as an operation.
James 1:1– 8 (NET)
1 From James, a slave of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes dispersed abroad. Greetings!
2 My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. 5 But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.
Illustration: How Success is Measured
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles (trials) that one has overcome while trying to succeed. – (Booker T. Washington (1856-1915), Educator, as quoted in Bits & Pieces, Vol. T/No. 17, p. 5).