The Book of James is easily the most hard-hitting section of Scripture in the New Testament. James, Jesus’ half-brother, doesn’t pull any punches and tells his readers that actions speak louder than words.
While anyone who’s read God’s Word knows that, according to Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT), we are saved by grace and not by works, James tells us that if you truly are a believer, your faith should produce good works.
Let’s take a look at the first section of James, as he speaks to faith and endurance. James 1:2-4 (NLT) says, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
The keyword, seen three times in those three verses, is “when”. James tells us that troubles are inevitable, during those time of trouble your faith will be tested, and you’ll have a chance to grow. Trials and tribulations are not a matter of if, but when, and these obstacles that God places in front of us have a purpose.
What is the purpose? Only God knows. Perhaps rather than asking why our faith is being tested, it’s better to, as James says, “let it grow”. Allowing God to develop our endurance rather than resist his teaching is essential to growth. God doesn’t quit, so you’re better off submitting to His will, growing your endurance, and becoming the man or woman of God that He’s chosen you to be.
Truth & Discernment 