Unshakable: The Pathway to Overcoming Trials - James 1:5-12

I. Lean on our THREE resources (v5-8) a. wisdom (5 If any of you lacks wisdom) b.  prayer (let him ask God) * first - you have to be conscious of your lack of wisdom * second - be willing to humble yourself to ask God * lastly - trust that God is able and willing to supply our deficiencies [God] who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.. * "gives" – God is an open-handed giver (Ps 145:16, “You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.) *  "to all" – the invitation to ASK God is open to all who will humbly admit they have a need and seek Him to fulfill that need * "generously" – or liberally, nothing withheld, He gives MORE THAN ENOUGH * "without reproach" – He is not critical of our asking or desiring from Him.  Alexander MacLaren, “If we only believed that He gives simply because He loves us and that we need never fear our unworthiness will limit or restrain His bestowments, what mountains of misconceptions of the divine character would be rolled away from many hearts!” 3. faith – Our prayers are only effective if asked in faith  “6 But let him ask in faith,” faith in His ability – faith in His willingness II. Learn from our TWO representatives (v9-11) a. Poverty (pain)  9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation b. Prosperity (pleasure) 10 and the rich in his humiliation, 3. Look forward to our TWO rewards (v12) 1. Blessed - 12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under (or through) trial, 2. Crown of Life - for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.