Forged - James 1:2-12

Forged:
When the Heat is On
James 1:2-12

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.

10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower.

11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.

12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

God’s number one purpose in your life is to make you like Jesus.

ESSENTIALS FOR VICTORY IN TRIALS:

I. Consider Carefully Your Circumstances


1. Trials are inevitable.
One thing is certain and Jesus said it: “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) Scripture doesn't say, "If you face trials consider it joy" but whenever -- count on it, you're going to have problems…no one is exempt.


2. Trials are unpredictable.


3. Trials are of many kinds.


4. Trials are not permanent!

Luke 2:1
“And it came to pass ...” (KJV)
If it came to “pass”, it didn’t come to “stay”!


5. Trials are purposeful.

“...because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”


II. Submit and Surrender Your Situation

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Note...it doesn’t say the trial will end because of your prayers...it just says that if you lack the wisdom to see this trial as God does...and if you don’t understand the value of these times...go to God, ask Him for wisdom...and you will get it!

Notice also...When you pray, you are not promised that the trial will go away. You are promised wisdom!

“You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way!”
James 1:3, 4 (The Message)



III. ENVISION YOUR ETERNITY

Job 19:25-26 “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, YET IN MY FLESH I WILL SEE GOD.”