thoughts on James 1
Monday 
in the early afternoon 
Mystie
These thoughts on James 1 have been brewing for a long time and I finally have them in a form that is comprehensible. What else is a blog for but to publish my thoughts? :)
I used to view the various paragraphs as James 1 as unrelated tidbits about various things. I wouldn’t have said so, of course, but that is how I read it in practicality. What I have come to see is how it is all one coherent thought. We are supposed not simply to rejoice in trials as we are called to rejoice in all things in a general sense, but we are to be actually glad that God sent them because it is through trials that we gain steadfastness. Steadfastness will work in us toward perfection; it is a part of sanctification. Are you not perfect? Are you lacking in sanctification? Do you lack wisdom? Ask God. What will God do? Give you a magic pill? No. He will send hardships that will refine you. But don’t doubt God’s purposes, don’t doubt that trials are a blessing in disguise, don’t not ask for wisdom because you are afraid of what He will do. Remember that we are dust. Do not get caught up in yourself, your life, your plans; they are fleeting. No, ask for wisdom, and do not doubt that God will work His holy will. Remain steadfast, for a life of faith is eternally rewarded. If trials come and you are tempted to sin, the temptation is not from God but from your own evil heart. No, God sends good gifts and He is everlasting. He will work your lot to your good. We are His and not our own; He has made us and purchased us and this life is not about us and what we want but about how God wants to use us for His own glory. Ours is not to doubt, but to trust and obey.
(MCL)
with 
(personal library)
A pastor’s wife I once knew said that she actually prayed for trials in her life so that she would grow and be refined. When I heard this I thought she was crazy (I was about 20 at the time). It turns out that she was right though. God works His good and His purpose in our life. I know how much I have grown through trials and hardships in my own life. HE knows what HE is doing. We are to trust and to obey, not worry and fret and try to get back into control. That is the hardest part for me! Thanks for the excellent post.