Wisdom from God
Opening Prayer
Lord, I believe in You. Please give me wisdom today through Your Word as I walk in Your ways.
Read James 1:1–11
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How do you usually respond to hard times in your life?The letter starts with a greeting to the “scattered” 12 tribes of Israel (1). Here the church is described as the real and true Israel, the chosen people of God, whose Messiah, Jesus, has come.
How does our status as “chosen people” change the way we live? The first chapter of James works as a summary of the rest of the letter. In this passage, three main ideas are introduced: joy in trial (2), a right attitude to wealth (9–11) and, as always, the need for wisdom (5).
We live in a world of uncertainty, and as Christians we are warned that we will inevitably face “trials” (2). When things are not going so well, what will our reaction be? Will we blame God or look to him for help and support (6)? And where do we get our sense of security? In what we own (11)?
As followers of Jesus, because of our status as the people of God, our circumstances do not define us. James tells us that our response to hard times should be to pray, with faith (6), for wisdom so that we who are tested should emerge stronger (4). Stunningly, these trials can bring us to a new perspective on our lives, and a refining and perfecting of character.
Apply
What is your response in times of trial? Make it a point to stop and rejoice in God every time you feel frustrated today.
Closing prayer
What challenges are you facing? How are you feeling about these challenges? Pray to God for wisdom, faith and above all joy.
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