Wisdom in Trials

1. James recognizes that we may not always be able to see the purpose in trials or see the good that can come from trials.

2. When we find ourselves unable to see the good and the purpose in trials we are to:

• Keep on asking Him for wisdom.
• In faith.
• And our God who loves to give will respond so that we can see the good and the purpose in trials.

3. Then James illustrates and says:

• That even a poor man has much good in his trial of poverty if he knows God--the owner of the universe.
• And a rich man through he lose everything can rejoice in the good of having learned not to place his faith in riches which quickly pass away.

4. God has been very good to us in allowing us to see the good even in this difficult trial.

• For so much good has already come from this trial:
• As a church family we are growing spiritually and united together.
• As individuals we have seen faith in action and we have learned lessons we shall never forget.
• As we have seen many people come to Jesus Christ through faith.

5. Yet in the days to come we will continue to need wisdom to see the purpose and the good in this trial.

• James exhorts us to keep on asking God in faith for wisdom.
• And our generous loving God will give us the wisdom needed.

(But finally James reminds us that not only does God have a purpose in trials; and gives wisdom in trials but thirdly there is comfort in trials.)

Comfort in Trials

1. James here reminds us that this life is not all there is to life.

• That right will be commended.
• That due reward will be give for faithfulness.

2. We often live as if we are the living on the way to the dying.

3. But God's word makes it very clear that we are the dying on the way to the living.

4. What is in store then for one who knows Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and passes from this life?

• Phil. l tells us that when a Christian departs he is with Christ.
• II Cor. 5 tells that when we are absent from the body we are present with the Lord
• And I Corinthians 15 and I Thessalonians 4 tells us that someday that body which for the present sleeps in the grave will be resurrected and united with our soul/spirit and in this glorified state we will be with the Lord forever.
• And there rewards will be given for endurance through trials and for faithfulness to God in difficult times.

5. So today we sorrow - but we sorrow not as others who have no hope.

• We have the assurance of the word of God that many are with Christ.
•  Many have trusted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior from sin.

6. But I cannot help but think that perhaps some of you are not prepared to face death and you are not prepared to meet Jesus Christ face to face. Nor are you ready to face a trial like

7. I invite you right where you are sitting to invite Christ into your life as your Savior from sin.

• Jesus Christ died as your substitute paying the penalty for your sin.
• But He asks you ;by an act of your will to trust Him as your personal Savior from sin.
• If you do this, on the authority of God's word you are a new creature/born again and prepared to meet your Savior.

God Bless my dear family & frinds
.::Tam::.