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Written by Administrator Friday, 20 April 2007 07:14

In the aftermath of the senseless massacre at Virginia Tech, all of us are hurting, grieving, and horrified. In wrestling with the hard questions that echo in our minds, the New Testament letter written by James helps us to sort through our thoughts and emotions. Perhaps a review of some of those insights from James 1:2-12 will help to anchor us in this storm.

1. The Storms of Life Are Inescapable!

How I wish that were not true. But we don’t live in a fantasy world; we live in a fallen world. James says that it’s not a matter of “if” you will encounter storms but a matter of “when” (1:2a). Jesus reminded us that each day troubles will come our way (cf. Matthew 6:34).

2. The Storms of Life Come in Various Forms!

James 1:2 also reminds us these troubles involve “trials of various kinds.” Not all storms are alike. Some are like spring showers – brief and manageable. Others are like a strong downpour – annoying and inconvenient. Then there are violent thunderstorms – menacing and threatening. Worst of all are the destructive tornadoes – terrifying and devastating. (Like the “storm” that swept through Virginia Tech on Monday.)

3. The Storms of Life Will Test Our Faith!

“For you know that the testing of your faith …” (1:3a). Trials and suffering stretch us – exposing our weaknesses and revealing the true quality of our faith.

4. The Storms of Life Demand Perseverance!

“For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect …” (1:3). As the storms of life continue to rage, we can quickly become weary and lose heart. But storms can make us both tender and tough and give us strength and stamina.

5. The Storms of Life Must Be Faced with the Right Attitude!

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (1:2). Those words cut against the grain of our emotions. How can you be joyful when life is so painful? But notice the subtlety of the wording. He doesn’t say “be happy” about it … but challenges us to look beyond the storm … beyond the circumstances … beyond the pain and see that trials do have a purpose. That’s why he says “count it” meaning that we should “take a full accounting of the situation.” On the surface it doesn’t “add up” … but within the big picture of divine math, it does. These storms help us to become “perfect and complete” (1:4).

6. The Storms of Life Require God’s Help!

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (1:5). Look closely at those words. God gives wisdom … does it generously … to all … and without reproach. In other words, while you are searching for answers, don’t forget to look to God. He does not condemn us in our struggles or for asking the tough questions.

 

James offers this encouragement to those who endure suffering. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life” (1:12). And my prayer for all is found in these words, “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).

-- Sparky