James 1:2-8 TESTING TIMES In every Christian's life there will be times of testing that cannot be avoided. These trials are not necessarily because something is wrong, or because we have done something our Gracious Father is taking steps to correct. As a matter of fact, God allows these as opportunities to prove our faith in Him is real. The testing times puts out into the open, testimony as to the reality of our profession of faith in Christ. Trials usually include suffering of one kind or another. Mature believers can be identified by their attitude toward suffering physically, emotionally or in other ways.
The trials we are called upon to go through test our maturity. A mature believer will not make it a point to complain about them but will seek to profit from the testing knowing a trial is an opportunity to prove our faith. A trial has a reason and must be allowed to run its course. We may not know the reason, so ask God to let you know the reason.
Trials also define our faith. The early Jewish believers in the church at Jerusalem where James was, were experiencing severe testing times, and it would spread throughout the whole world. Stephen was the first martyr. James the brother of John had been put to death. The hardships associated with faith in Christ are going to happen because the god of this world knows living faith has divine power motivating it. It is inevitable that trials come, but to "count it all joy" when they come makes true faith obvious to those who do not have it.
Trials develop our faith when we have a positive outlook during them. We learn perseverance during testing times. Trials reveal our faith in that they will mean we know we need God’s help to behave wisely when insulted. Our character is revealed under the pressure of trials. The depth of our character is revealed under pressure and the testing times develop our character beyond what was previously normal to us, to becoming more Christ-like. God promises to be with us when we "pass through the waters," so we can ask Him for the wisdom we need and remain patient during the testing, the outcome will be what He wants for our good.
Trials lead to God-given wisdom to make right decisions in difficult circumstances. Wisdom brings us into a place of practical discernment with respect for God. Those tests lead us to know and have the ability to do what is right and a willingness to do right. When we ask God for wisdom, we learn that it is not isolated from the suffering we may be called to endure, but is the tool by which we learn the needed action to take in the circumstances in which we are found. The wisdom we ask for is not only practical but it is divine wisdom that goes beyond common sense. It is then we learn that trials endured are blessings. Divine wisdom given us enables us to believe and not doubt, to not have a critical attitude, and be willing to accept a “no” as an answer that is in harmony with God’s principles (see Mat.21:22). Trials bring reward from the Lord Himself. We trust God and don’t allow ourselves to waver from being loyal to Him. In the testing times we commit ourselves completely to God knowing that trials bring out the best in us. Doubt leaves a person unsettled. We must rely on God to show us what is best. Then our decisions will be sure and solid. We can be sure of the purposes of God in times of testing, even though we may not know them ourselves while we are passing through them. He is developing the perfection of character in His children in order to produce patience like He did with Joseph in the Old Testament and Paul in the New Testament. By prayer on our part, our Father provides needed wisdom. There are three perfect things in this first chapter that comes through the process of suffering. The perfect work having to do with God’s purpose, 1:1-12; the perfect gift having to do with God’s goodness, 1:13-20; and the perfect law having to do with God’s word, 1:21-27. Some lessons we can learn from this portion of the epistle of James that are similar to the teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ on the sermon on the mount are: when your life is full of difficulties and persecutions, be glad. A reward awaits you [Jas.1:2; Mat.5:10-12]. You are to be perfect, mature and complete; not lacking anything [Jas.1:4; Mat.5:48]. Ask God and He will answer [Jas.1:5; 5:15; Mat.7:7-12].