James 1:2-4 – “My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. ⁴ And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. “

James, Jesus’s half-brother (in the natural), underwent an amazing transformation.   He moved from not believing, although growing up with Jesus, to being a pillar in the Church.   That alone is inspiring.

James experienced hardship both in his life and in what he saw in Jesus.  Yet, he says, “When trouble comes, rejoice and give thanks.”  James 1:2-4 should become a foundational part of every believer’s mindset.

We need to alter how we view difficulty.   Rather than complaining and expressing, “Woe is me,” view it as an opportunity for spiritual development and for God to be manifested.

Tested Faith stirs up the power of endurance in us.   As we grow stronger through endurance, not wavering or faltering, there is a supernatural release into us from the Spirit.   Perfection (maturity and stability) is released into every facet of our lives.

James 1:2 – “…Until there is Nothing missing and Nothing lacking.”    Remember, we do not invite, long for, or look for trouble; if it comes, we look beyond it to God, and in our surrender, we are transformed.

James 1:7 – “When you are half-hearted and wavering, it leaves you unstable.”  James 1:21b – “…The Word of Life has the power to deliver us continually.”

The transformed life also includes controlling our tongue.  Oops!  That little menace gets us in trouble.  It is a mirror of the heart and mind. 

James, chapter 3, goes into detail about the tongue’s power.  James 3:2 – “We all fail in many areas…”  (Can you relate?)  “…especially with our words.  Yet, If We are able to bridle the words, we say We Are Powerful Enough to Control Ourselves in every way, and that means our character is mature and fully developed.”

The tongue and our words are a measuring stick to evaluate our spiritual development—whether we are babies or adults!

James’s message is multifaceted.  It is about trust, faithfulness, and righteousness and directs us in our interpersonal relationships with others, especially those in the Family of God.

James 5:13-15 is loaded with insight that enables us to live in power.  In this, we find Daily Life Instructions: 

• Are you having difficulty then Pray.  
• Are you Happy then Vocalize Praise.
• Are you Sick, (this is multifaceted in the original.) 

The word is (kamno), which can and usually does mean more than physical sickness.   The idea is also being weary, worn out, or worn down by life’s struggles.   It includes being weakened by conflict.  The idea is that the prayer with the laying on of hands (impartation) and oil (release of the power of the Spirit) brings a Full Restoration of Health.

Jesus informed us that our words are expressions of the overflow of our hearts. The heart is a revelation of our spiritual condition, which shapes how we think and how we live. 

So, In Everything, place your total confidence in God.  You don’t have to understand it, but you do have to trust Him.  If you do, He will bring you through to victory.   As you become who God designed you to be, you find life is a joy, not a chore!    I have a friend who says, “Because of Grace, I laugh at life!”    He has joy no matter what and when troubles come, and he’s had plenty, He laughs at the devil. You, too, can be joy-filled with God’s Peace, Power, and Contentment.

Have a fantastic day, and rejoice, for Sunday is on the way!