As we begin our time together in the book of James, we see some really vital truths. Today, we are told about the importance of trials and the value of wisdom. Our trials produce endurance, and that endurance produces maturity. Our trials teach us so very much. We learn more from them than we do from anything. And with wisdom, if we lack, God will give generously to us.

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Good morning! It’s great to be with you on this beautiful Tuesday. I hope you’re having a great start to the day. Today, we’re continuing in the book of James, looking at James 1:1-8. Yesterday, we talked about the background and purpose of James, and now we’ll dig into its powerful opening passage.

James starts with a powerful challenge—consider trials as joy. That’s a difficult command! No one naturally enjoys hardship, but James wants us to see trials differently. They are opportunities for growth. When our faith is tested, it produces endurance, and that endurance makes us mature.

Think about it like strength training. When you lift weights, your muscles tear slightly, and then they rebuild stronger. It’s uncomfortable in the moment, but it leads to growth. The same is true for faith—our struggles, disappointments, and even failures shape us into people of endurance.

I once heard an author say that one of the greatest disservices we’ve done to younger generations is removing failure from their lives. We’ve tried so hard to shield them from difficulty that many don’t know how to handle adversity. But failure teaches endurance. If we never face challenges, how can we grow stronger? James reminds us that trials, while difficult, have a purpose.

James then transitions to another crucial point—if we lack wisdom, we should ask God. This is one of my favorite verses in scripture because it reminds us that God wants to guide us. He is generous with wisdom, giving it freely and without hesitation. But James adds a condition—we must ask in faith, not doubting.

Doubt, in this context, isn’t about having questions or uncertainties. It’s about being double-minded—wavering between trusting God and relying on ourselves. James compares it to being tossed around by the wind, never steady. If we’re constantly shifting between faith and fear, we won’t experience the full wisdom God wants to give us.

James challenges us to have an active, living faith. Faith isn’t just intellectual agreement with facts—it’s trusting God enough to submit our lives to Him. And part of that trust is believing He will provide wisdom when we need it.

God wants to guide us. He wants to give us wisdom. And He wants to grow us into mature, faithful people. Our job is to trust Him, even in the trials.

Tomorrow, we’ll continue in James 1:9 and explore more of his wisdom for daily Christian living. Have a great day!