WHEN LIFE GETS REAL
Gordon Dabbs, PhD
James 1.1-12
James is Christianity IRL.
James 1.1 (ESV) James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.
James 1.2 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds
James 1.2 (ESV) Count it all joy . . . for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Let the pressure produce something good.
James 1.4 (ESV) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
God can use the pressure you didn’t choose to grow a maturity you couldn’t get any other way.
Ask God for wisdom, not just relief.
James 1.5 (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God . . .
James 1.6 (ESV) But let him ask in faith, with no doubting . . .
Keep your perspective on what really lasts.
James 1.9-10 (ESV) Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation. . .
Hang in there. Your reward is coming.
James 1.12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life. . .