James gives us the solution for immature faith: trials and trouble. James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.[1]
Jesus experienced suffering, so as we follow Him, we should not be surprised if we experience trials. John 16:33bHere on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I (Jesus) have overcome the world.[2] The spiritual life is real. God has a purpose for each of us; we are to bring His Kingdom and make a difference in this world. But we must be strong to meet this challenge.
Outlook and Attitude Change
James tells us that we shouldn’t panic when suffering and trials come. It is an opportunity for God to work in our lives. Strong faith and endurance don’t come by book learning only but by experience. Now, we aren’t to ask for problems because we are not joyful in anticipation of suffering, but we can maintain joy during the storm because we know God is with us, and we learn a new level of trust in the Lord,
Warren Wiersbe said, “Outlook determines outcome, and attitude determines action.”[3]
If you value your comfort more than character, the physical more than the spiritual, or the short-term more than the long-term, trials will be a problem for you. Our human nature is to avoid or escape trials because they aren’t pleasant. We must evaluate our trials in light of what God is doing.
Joy Amid Suffering
Jesus knows how joy can co-exist with suffering. Hebrews 12: 1bAnd let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.[4]
Joy is God-orientated rather than event-orientated and is centered on His presence. Nothing can separate us from His love. Jesus kept His focus on what the suffering would bring, and as His followers, we can do the same. As we endure trials, our endurance grows. It is endurance that allows us to be faithful to the end. We will not be passive in the battle but stand firm. It is then that we can overcome and bring glory to God.
To learn more about the solution for immature faith, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-faith-in-action
[1,2,4] Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 337). Victor Books.