3rd October 2024

3rd October 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (James 1v2-8)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Many years ago I came across an event where the Lord’s providence had caused great joy in  what could have been an awful situation. Sadly, those who rejoiced over God’s providence turned hard against Him when things didn’t go according to plan some months later. I won’t fill in the blanks and tell the whole story but the attitude was essentially “God is great only when He acts according to our plan.” Is this your attitude?


It would be glorious indeed to say that Christians will never know hard times but it would be a blatant lie. The rain falls on both the righteous and wicked alike and nowhere does the Lord promise us immunity from the worst of days. Indeed, James urges us to count is as joy when trials inevitably visit us (v2). This isn’t a joy that says “I’ve just lost my leg in a washing machine accident but even as I bleed to death I will sing my favourite hymns.” The joy of James is one that knows our foundational state - no matter what, by faith in Christ we have an eternal security that cannot fade.


The Christian will hurt, weep, endure illness and certainly die but the Christian does not stand alone and can never be lost. The joy of understanding this truth produces in us steadfastness    under trial (v3) and as steadfastness works, we grow in sanctification becoming perfect and complete (v4). In other words, God uses all manner of circumstances to grow us up in Christlikeness and some of those are exceptionally bitter to the taste.


All of this requires much discernment and therefore if we lack wisdom, we are to ask for it (v5). Who among us doesn’t need the guidance of God when the storm is blowing in our face? If we do not understand then we are to call upon the Lord without doubting (v6). I’m sure we have all experienced doubts at some point in our lives but if we approach the Lord questioning His goodness or expecting no help, then we must not believe we will receive anything from Him (v7). Such a person is double-minded and unstable, one minute declaring the glory of God whilst at the same time questioning His motives.


Brothers and sisters, do not be surprised when you are tested by all manner of life’s events. The sun on your face can lead you to sin just as the dark clouds can lead you to despair. Please understand that life is rarely like the movies, everything may not go your way and the bad guys might actually win. Even so, you are loved in a manner that you barely understand and the Lord is not waiting maliciously to thwart your every move.
May the trials that you endure grow your faith, may the questions you wrestle with be met by God’s wisdom and may you know joy in this life looking to the day that your joy will be complete.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q106 What do we pray for in the sixth petition? In the sixth petition, which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,” we pray, that God would either keep us from being tempted to sin, or support and deliver us when we are tempted.
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