In today’s devotional, we are taking into consideration this very bold and challenging statement from the book of James, which is a very courageous and insightful declaration of faith. Just like most of Jesus’ teachings, these verses challenge us to think and act outside of the norm, to allow us examine our reactions to life’s trials. This statement pushes us to explore our inner responses, thoughts, and actions. 

What is a life trial? A trial is a divinely-ordained difficulty that God causes or permits so that He may grow us and conform us into the image of His Son Jesus. 

Romans 8:28 says, “and we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” 

It may not always seem so! Sometimes when we are suffering heartbreak, tragedy, disappointment, frustration, and bereavement, we wonder what good can come out of it. But the verse that follows gives the answer, “whatever God permits to come into our lives is designed to conform us to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). It is never meant to break us or hurt us; even though in the midst of a life process it really might feel that way. 

These verses are challenging us to change our perspective, to understand that our lives are not controlled by impersonal forces such as chance, luck, or fate, but by our wonderful, personal Lord, who is too loving to be unkind and too wise to make an error. 

When we look at our life challenges through a biblical standpoint, it really takes the question mark out of our prayers. Today God is reminding us that every adversity or life challenge that has come our way is an opportunity to grow and mature our faith. 

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You so much for reminding us that we will have trials and difficult choices to face in our lives each day. But You also remind us that we should take heart, that we are never alone, not even in the worst moments of our lives. You also remind us that we can have the confidence to reach out to You, our Abba Father, for guidance, wisdom, perseverance, truth, and faith, when we are lacking or overwhelmed by trials. We stand firmly in Your promises that surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue us all the days of my life, that You are our Solid Rock, our Stronghold in times of trials. That You guide us with loving kindness every day of our lives. We thank You Father for Your love and gentle firm hand in our lives. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen. 

What should we do if our faith is tested at work? Simply put, we learn to endure. The book of James tells us that if we can find a way not to give into the temptation to abandon the faith, to act unethically, or to nurture despair, then we will find that God was with us the whole time. If we do not know how to resist these temptations, James invites us to ask for the wisdom we need to do so and we will find that as the crisis passes, we will feel stronger in our faith, by taking positive steps towards a maturer point of view.