BSFL Sunday School Commentary for the week of November 8, 2009

Celebrate Your Trials                        James 1

What is the standard answer for every “Miss America” or other pageant contestant? Ever hear the phrase “I want world peace?” Now think about all the peacekeeping forces in place around the world. It does appear that most people and countries truly desire, wish for, and work for world peace. However, Jesus told us in Matthew 24:6-7 that wars and rumors of wars are going to happen. Nations will rise up against one another. Famines and earthquakes will take place. Unrest, challenges, trials, and temptations are going to be present in this life. So, in the midst of these difficulties and adversity, how do we build and strengthen our faith in God? Isaiah 26:3 points to the mind as the place to seek perfect peace. Any part of our minds or area of our lives not focused on God is a place of unrest. How can one seek peace when answers are unclear? How can we have peace about a decision when the Bible does not speak specifically to the issue? Depend upon God for the answer and keep asking Him for clear direction when you face any measure of trials or adversity. World peace may not ever be possible on this earth, but inner peace with God is always possible.

What is your greatest difficulty at this time? What adversities are wearing you down? What do you need to trust Him with this week? How can we celebrate through our difficulties? When James wrote this to Jews who had been scattered because of persecution he probably had in mind difficulties caused by outward manifestations of our faith. Jewish Christians who openly professed Jesus as Lord and renounced Judaism were ostracized, thrown out of families, lost businesses, and forced to flee for their lives. In A.D. 49 Roman Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from Rome because of the turmoil begotten by many openly following Christ and inspiring the ire of their countrymen.

However, these truths can be applied to any outward trial or inward test. As we endure trials by the power of the Holy Spirit and God's grace, we grow stronger, more patient, and lean more heavily on faith in God. James teaches us that this growth is a cause for joy. God uses testing, trials, and adversity to shape us into the image of Christ. Nothing occurs in our lives that hasn't crossed God's desk and received His stamp of approval. He either causes or allows every circumstance. We can rejoice that He holds our tomorrows, and equips us to handle anything He allows to come our way. Our God is so great, He can even use adversity to accomplish His purposes!

His heavenly, supernatural wisdom is available to us when we ask, so that we can endure trials. Real wisdom is the ability to make decisions based on knowledge God has revealed in scripture. Wisdom thus enables us to make decisions in line with God's purposes. It allows us to see all of life from God's point of view. Without God's wisdom we tend to respond to trials with worry, grief, bewilderment, disappointment, and despair. The wisdom of this world cannot possibly direct us into God's best; only God's wisdom can. and it is available for the asking! Without God's wisdom to give us perspective, we are filled with doubt and not faith.

Years ago my pastor was fond of saying "God can't be anything but good to us." It is against God's nature to act in any way that would harm His children. a lack of God's wisdom will cause us to doubt God's goodness in trials, and react with anger towards Him. Why is God doing this to me? Why does God allow so many to suffer? If God loved me, He would fix this! God allows us to be tested in order to develop Christian character, but never with evil intent. He is more concerned with our holiness than our happiness. While sin is the root cause of all suffering in our world, Jesus is God's answer to sin. One day God will achieve His (and ours) final victory over sin. Satan will be banished forever, and everything will be made new. We will exist with God in sinless perfection, with no more battles to fight and no more trials to endure. Those who endure trials by faith in this life will be rewarded in the next.

Until then, we must look to God for faith and power to endure hardship. The banquet comes later; now we are engaged in battle. However, do not lose heart. God is using every event of your life for His glory and your benefit. Rejoice!