J AMES 1:5-8 P USH C OMES TO S HOVE

J AMES Review- James 1- Trials are external circumstances that test our faith. They are also evidence that God is working in our lives. Every trial carries with it the seed of a gift that we only get if we persevere (“remain under” it) Key Verse: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves- James 1:22 (NKJ)

J AMES Every trial creates choices. How do I know which direction to take? If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him- vs. 5

J AMES Wisdom - The right application of knowledge Ask God Wants to give Is waiting to be asked

J AMES Ask continually God is as interested in the process of making me like Christ as he is in the resolution of my situation God gives generously Without finding fault

J AMES The Key Ingredient - Trust in advance But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does- vs. 6-8

J AMES Doubt - Going back and forth between trusting God and trusting self. “Double-souled”- can’t settle down, trust God and persevere

J AMES Doubt= “When God gives me answer, then I’ll make a choice that seems best to me” Faith= “I commit in advance to follow the path you lay out for me, regardless of how I feel about it at that moment, Lord” Doubt= “I’m in control” Faith= “God is in control” Note : Can’t be both

J AMES Faith won’t always make sense Wisdom is a process. Some answers are direct, some are circumstantial

J AMES Doubt puts the circumstance between me and God Faith puts God between me and the circumstance