The old saying tells us that two things are inevitable... death and taxes. To that, we could add a third thing...trials. All of us go through hardships and difficulties at some point in our lives, even Christians. In fact, I think it may be fair to say that the Bible tells us that Christians go through more trials than the rest of the world. So, what do we do when trials come? That is the question that James answers in James 1.
To James' readers, this was an important question. Note who the letter of James is addressed to. Verse 1 says that it was written to the 12 tribes in the dispersion (ESV). Why were the Christians whom James addressed dispersed? Acts 8:1 tells us. Speaking of the day of Stephen's death, it says: "...On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria" (NIV). James was pastor of that scattered church. He writes his letter partially to encourage his suffering flock.
So, how do handle trials when they come? James make four points
1. We rejoice in our trials knowing that they work for our spiritual benefit (verses 2-4).
2. We pray for wisdom from God to handle our trials (verses 5-7).
3. We accept our low position, not being jealous of the blessing or success of others. We do this because we know that earthly riches are temporary. They do nothing to prepare us for death or for eternity (verses 8-11).
4. We stay steadfast in obedience. We do not use our trial as an excuse to sin. Instead we see even a trial as a good gift from God (verses 12-18).
That is a pretty good prescription for dealing with trials. Like most medicine, it may at first be hard to swallow. But in the end, it brings great benefit.
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