Our Faith Is Revealed in Our Patience in Trials - James 5

Trouble is inevitable. It is part of life. There is a universal experience of trials that we all face. It serves as a reminder that we are living in a fallen, sin cursed world. Job declares that man “is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Jesus said in John 16:33 “In the world you will have tribulations” while the apostle Paul warns the new believers at the church of Galatia, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” Acts 14:22. Peter counseled, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).

In addition to the normal trials of life, believers also face a type of trouble not experienced by the world, that is a persecution for the cause of Christ. This is a reoccurring theme in the New Testament, that is, the assembly of believers facing rejection by a hostile world. Certainly, we understand this as we become uncomfortable with the cultural, social, moral changes that are impacting our country and often we are tempted to respond with anger or with rash comments that brings discredit to Christ.

In our passage, James provides six practical items that will help us patiently endure under trials.