James 1:1-15 Consider it Pure Joy

1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.

Trials and Temptations

2Consider 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.

12Blessed 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.

13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Holiness is God's desire for us. Not happiness. God does not care whether we have a huge house, or a small apartment. He cares whether we get on our knees and pray to Him. What good is it if a man gains the whole world and yet forfeits his soul? If you get all that you desire and forget to thank God, you are worse off than if you lose everything, but daily walk in His Word. God's plans for you fall more along the lines of relationship than riches. So, consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face a trial that makes you get on your knees and return to the maker of all things. God will see that He finishes his perfect work in you, even if we can't understand everything right now.

Let your compassion swallow your fear, today. Get out there and tell someone the Good News. If you face trials because of your zeal, consider it pure joy. God is using your situation to develop perserverance in you, which will in turn, mature you into the person God wants you to be.