Dealing with Adversity

Are you going through a difficult time?

Consider these helpful principles from James 1:2-8:

1. Consider your trial a joy – verse 2.

This seems impossible until we focus on God's promise to use even our worst circumstances for our good (Romans 8:28).

2. Perseverance (patience, endurance, steadfastness) can only be learned through challenging circumstances – verses 3-4.

We love the easy parts of life, but we need difficulties to produce Christian character and deepen our trust in God (Romans 5:3).

3. God wants to help. All we have to do is ask – verse 5.

Everyone may forsake us, but not God (Deuteronomy 31:6).

4. We must never doubt God’s desire to help – verses 6-8.

This is perhaps the most important truth in this passage.(1)   

Our hardships aren't wasted. They are part of our spiritual growth, a way to prove our trust in God and confirm His love for us (James 1:12; 1 John 3:1-3).

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(1) See how Asaph encouraged himself when he felt abandoned by God:
Have I Served God in Vain? 
From Pain to Praise  

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