Making the Best of a Bad Situation

¹James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:  Greetings.  ²My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

James takes on the role of a bondservant even though he is the brother of Jesus.

“Knowing the word will not exempt us from trouble, but applying the world is going to help us when we are in trouble.” – Dr D’Ann Johnson

The people that James was writing to were going through difficulties because of their faith.

MAKING THE BEST OF A BAD SITUATION

• Have to accept that trials are inevitable (v2)

The verse says WHEN we fall into trials

Trials are not punishment

Trials are indiscriminate (it can happen to anybody)

“The presence of trouble does not automatically mean the absence of God.” – Dr. D’Ann Johnson

1 Peter 1:6 – In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials

“Sometimes when trials come it’s a refinement for us.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

• Have to approach the trial with the proper attitude (v2)
  

  Count it all joy before and during the situation

  Look at the situation from God’s perspective; Don’t confuse joy and happiness. Shift my attention from my way of doing something to God’s way of doing it.

  God is more interested in our development than our comfort.

“Darkness doesn’t like the fact that you are walking in light.” – Dr. D’Ann Johnson

• Appreciate what the trial is producing (v3)Know that the testing of faith produces patience

“When we are going through the fire, God is looking at us and looking for Himself.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

We all need the agitator!