Frivolous acts we equate to trials

 

James 1: 1-4

A letter to the twelve tribes in Dispersion, many Bible historians believe this is addressed to Jewish converts who lived outside of the Holy land; and also to the devoted Jews who dispersed over a wide area because of persecution.  Many also believe that the brother of Jesus is the James being referred to.  This is what we know for sure; James is a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he cares deeply about the people he is writing to. 

In that I believe God tells the truth and that He has stated, “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of men, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.  (2 Peter 1:21) We also have this account in 1Timothy 3:16, where the Bible is called God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.  And because it is a living book, it is the same today as yesterday and it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, then we must understand that all that is written happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us on whom the fulfillment of the age has come. (1 Corinthians 10:11)

When we see the following; “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 nothing.”  (James 1:2-4)  What should you and I take from this?  Lets get honest, many of us believe that having to wait in line at the store is a trial, or the car not starting, and if most of us in these very frivolous acts do not apply this teaching, how can we hope to when our world turns upside down?  And trust me if you are part of the American Church, your world is getting ready to turn upside down, we are going to see change that is going to rock our world.  So how can we count it all joy?  And if we refuse to count it all joy, then we will be without joy, and that means we will become bitter, angry, and sorrowful. 

So how do people like us move from letting these many frivolous acts we equate to trials, prepare us for things that will rock our world?  Folks, it is so simple, but it is not easy, in fact, it is impossible in your abilities, it’s going to require you asking God to do it all for you, and knowing that He will never bring anything into your life that is a surprise to Him, and that He will provide the grace that is needed for that moment.  We also must make the choice to bring His word into our actions and reactions and stop trying to live life without dependence on our great and Mighty God.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice