Unshakable: When Trials Come - James 1:2-4

1) Joy is an internal perspective - Attitude Count it all joy, my brothers, when My brothers – family and pastoral tone JOY is the overarching attitude of this passage. Count – consider – in your inward mind and heart, put a stake in the ground of JOY When–not IF, but when v2 when you meet trials of various kinds, - trials are going to happen… Don’t be surprised. Troubles, disappointments, and hardships are not only possible; they are inevitable and unavoidable. - “meet” – circumstances you fall into, face, unexpected. Believing in God and trusting in Christ provides a very blessed life... but at no time does Jesus tell us it will be an easy life. Various – we have no idea what form the trials will come. Sometimes simply frustrating, other times catastrophic Phillips paraphrase, “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don’t resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!” Not joy because of your trials. But joy regardless of trials! Trials come & go… but our position and purpose in Christ remain! The reality is - as spirit-filled Christians, we triumph through the trials Our JOY is an internal reality giving us a perspective on ALL circumstances 2 Cor 7:4, “In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.” 2) Growth is a faith process - v3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Knowledge brings a peace and confidence that no rumor or circumstance can take away. When you know… you stop listening to the noise. * If you knew you had ONE MILLION dollars in your walk-in home safe. AND you were laid off or the stock market crashed with your retirement account. You would NOT be worried about your next meal. - 2 Cor 1:5 * If you knew you had chicken laying eggs, you wouldn’t worry about egg prices. Rom 8:17 * If you knew you were completely loved by Christ, you would worry about seeking everyone’s approval. Matthew 5:11-12 * If you knew you have an eternal home with Christ, then you face death differently. 1 Peter 4:13, Heb 10:34 Three results of trials - purity - (testing of your faith) authenticating) 1 Peter 1:7 - patience - produces steadfastness (endurance, staying power, unswerving constancy) - perfection 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. 3) Cooperation is a way to perfection 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Let - cooperate with God’s work in you and through you. God never builds our character without our cooperation. If we resist Him, He disciplines us. If we submit to Him, He makes us like Jesus and perfects us. God is never satisfied with an unfinished person. He is looking for completion. He who began a good work WILL carry it on to completion! – Philippians 1