A FAITH THAT ISN'T TROUBLED BY TROUBLES

A FAITH THAT WORKS WHEN LIFE DOESN’T PT 1

James 1:2–6 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

3 PURPOSES OF DIFFICULTIES

PROBLEMS TEST MY FAITH

James 1:3 ESV

for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

2. PROBLEMS DEVELOP MY ENDURANCE

James 1:3 ESV

for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

3. PROBLEMS MATURE MY CHARACTER

James 1:4 ESV

And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO DIFFICULTIES?

A. REJOICE IN THE PROBLEM

James 1:2 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

B. REQUEST: ASK GOD FOR WISDOM

James 1:5 ESV

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

C. RELAX & TRUST GOD

James 1:6–8 ESV

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

D. REMEMBER GOD’S PROMISES

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.