James 1:2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
James, the brother of Jesus, wrote a letter to encourage believers...Jewish believers...who had fled Jerusalem to escape persecution and now were faced with isolation and prejudice in foreign lands, among nonbelievers. No longer welcome among non-Messianic Jews or others they were part of a small band that huddled together and struggled for survival. They may have had doubts about why they ever trusted in Jesus, if the price of that trust was so great. But James wants them to know that all of these troubles are actually instruments of God's love, being used to chisel, file, smooth and shapen their character. He challenges them to "hang in there" and ask for wisdom from God. He doesn't promise relief from the oppression. He promises that an inner strength will be formed that will develop patience, listening, restraint from anger and, ultimately be crowned with eternal life. He refers them to God's Word in scripture as a personal mirror that will show them an accurate picture of their inner person and he challenges them to ask God: "What shall I do with the truth that you show me?" I was also challenged to remember to ask, "What will you have me do, Lord?" as I listen and read His words as well.
blessings,
Rob Smith
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