Turning Trouble into Triumph
James 1:2-12
'Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance, 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God. who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord: 8he is a double minded man, unstable in all he does.9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
4 Tools to turn trouble in triumphs:
- vs.2- A Joyful Attitude-
The way you see life will decide the outcome. Attitude decides action.
- God tells us to expect trouble in this life.
- What we think to be most important will direct our attitude when trouble comes. So when trouble comes, immediately choose to give thanks to God and look at the trouble with eyes of faith.....
- vs.3- An Understanding Mind
-What can we understand that makes it easier to face trials and benefit from them??:
- Faith is always tested.
- Trials can help us to mature.
- 2cor. 4:17
'for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' - Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. - Patience & endurance -such depth of character can not be attained by reading a book. We must go through the difficulties of life, trust God& do what he asks of us.
- vs.4&9-11- A Surrendered Will
-God cannot build character without a willing heart. Forced goodness in no goodness at all. God builds character before he calls to service. He must work in us before he can work through us.
*Maturing involves "Weaning"
Psalm 131:2
But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. - vs.5-8 - A Believing Heart- In difficult times
We are to ask for wisdom. We are to ask in faith.
James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
vs.12- Remember!!A love relationship is the foundation for all training God has for us in this life!!
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