 Life is full of challenges. Some look at such everyday trials pessimistically. To them, life is just a series of pain and suffering. But James had a different perspective (James 1:2-4).
James was Christ’s half-brother. During Christ’s ministry, James thought Jesus was out of His mind (John 7:5, Mark 3:21). Later, James became Christ’s follower. After Christ’s resurrection, He specifically appeared to James (1 Corinthians 15:7). During the time of James, his audience buried half of their children, and many of them were slaves. Many of our problems today seem trivial by comparison. James taught us not to be alarmed by unexpected and painful trials in life. Instead, we should learn to rejoice in them (James 1:2; and 1 Peter 4:12-13). When bad things happen to us, good things can happen in us. Whether small or big, evaluate these trials through the lens of faith. Learn to look through them and see God at work in them. Trials may help us see our weaknesses and correct our mistakes. The process can confirm God caring for us and help us experience His faithfulness and love. Beware that many of these challenges can take a long time to resolve. Be patient. Ask God to show you the direction you should go and give you the strength to get there. Learn to endure and persist in pursuing what is good, right, noble, and true. Trials can produce perseverance, which will help us develop a mature character and the ability to live with poise and confidence, regardless of our circumstances (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5). Trials can give us hope for the future glory (Romans 8:18). Look at Christ. He went through unfair suffering and torture, but He persevered till death. Then, He experienced the joyful and glorious resurrection. So, when we face trials, persevere and do not quit. Don’t let them get the last word. Have faith in God. Learn from the process, and experience God’s presence, comfort, and care. Learn to rejoice in the midst of trials, for resurrection will come, and we will experience the glory. Summarized from a John Ortberg’s sermon https://menlo.church/series/the-way#/modal/message/5614/mlo 每日的試煉 生活充满了挑战和磨难。对有些悲观的人来说, 生命只是一系列的痛苦和苦难。雅各却有不同的看法 (雅各书1：2-4)。 雅各是基督同母异父的兄弟。在基督事奉期间，雅各曾以为耶稣癲狂了（约翰福音7：5, 马可福音3:21）。后来，雅各成了基督的跟随者。基督复活后曾特别向他显现 (哥林多前书15：7)。 在雅各的时代，有一半的儿女比父母先离开世界，其中许多人还是奴隶。我们今天的很多问题与他们面临的考验相比显得微不足道。 雅各教导不要为意想不到的苦难或试验惊慌, 反倒应该学会在苦难中喜乐(雅各书1：2，彼得前书4：12-13)。当坏事发生在我们身上时，好事可以在我们里面发生。 不管考验是大或小，要从信仰的角度来评估，从試煉中看到上帝在我们身上作工。 試煉可以让我们看到自己的弱点并纠正错误。这个过程可以证实上帝对我们的关爱，帮助我们体验祂的信实和慈爱。 留意许多挑战可能需要很长时间才能解决。 要有耐心。 祈求上帝显明应该走的方向并且赐下到达那里的力量。学会忍耐，坚持追求良善、公义、崇高和真实。 这些考验会产生毅力，帮助我们培养成熟的品格（雅各书 1：2-4，罗马书 5：3-5), 在任何环境都能沉着平静, 充满信心地生活, 对未来的荣耀充满盼望（罗马书 8:18）。 让我们来看一看基督。 祂受尽不公平的苦难和折磨，但坚持忍耐直到死在十字架上。 然后，祂经历了喜乐和荣耀的复活。 所以，面临考验时要坚持到底，不要放弃。对上帝要有信心。 从这个过程中学习，体验上帝的同在、安慰和关爱。 学习在試煉中喜樂， 因为复活将会来临，我们将会经历荣耀。
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