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Growing Through Trials
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. Think of a recent problem or difficulty in your life. In what ways did God give you strength to face
that situation?
Bible Reading
Read James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered
abroad, greeting. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the
trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth
not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave
of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the
Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is
exalted: 10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. 11 For
the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and
the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. How does Scripture encourage people to respond to trials?
Question 2. These related passages may contribute to the group's discussion on trials:
2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed
day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the
things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith
groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves
glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that
ye endure:
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of ourfaith; who for the joy that was set before him endured
the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that
endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not
yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you
as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7 If ye endure chastening,
God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8 But if ye be without chastisement,
whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which
corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits,
and live? 10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that
we might be partakers of his holiness. 11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13 And make straight paths for your feet,
lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange
thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory
shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy
are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part
he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody
in other men's matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God
on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at
us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where
shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit
the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.
Revelation 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
3. How has God brought good into your life through trials?
4. How can a person gain wisdom to deal with problems?
Question 4. Some of you may be facing difficult problems. This question will encourage you to ask God
for wisdom. Remind them of Jesus' promise in Matthew 21:22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing,
ye shall receive.
5. Why does God want us to ask for his help without doubting?
6. Who should not expect to receive anything from God? Why?
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
When a potter bakes a pot, he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the oven and thumping it. If it “sings,”
it's ready. If it “thuds,” it's placed back in the oven. The character of a person is also checked by thumping.
Been thumped lately?
Late-night phone calls. Grouchy teacher. Grumpy moms. Burnt meals. Flat tires. “You've got to be kidding” deadlines.
Those are thumps. Thumps are those irritating inconveniences that trigger the worst in us. They catch us off guard.
Flat footed. They aren't big enough to be crises, but if you get enough of them, watch out! Traffic jams. Long
lines. Empty mailboxes. Dirty clothes on the floor … Thump. Thump. Thump. How do I respond? Do I sing? Or do I
thud? Jesus said that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks (Luke 6:45). There's nothing like a good thump
to reveal the nature of a heart. The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics, but in the thump-packed
humdrum of day-to-day living.
(From On the Anvil by Max Lucado)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. How have life's “thumps” challenged you to seek God?
8. How has your relationship with God changed as you have gone through trials and difficulties?
9. In what ways does this passage relate to your present problems and frustrations?
Prayer
Father, we come to you just as we are, struggling to cope with the trials of life. We're grateful that you never
turn your back on us. You promise to give us the wisdom and strength we need to face each day. Continue to test
us until our character shines and brings glory to you.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
How can I grow closer to God through trials I am facing now?
Additional Questions
10. How do you usually respond to life's difficulties?
11. How can you find joy in your troubles?
12. Describe a time when God's wisdom helped you through a problem.
For more Bible passages on growing through trials, see Romans 5:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 4:17; 6:4; 2 Thessalonians
1:4; 1 Peter 1:5–7; 4:12–14.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of James by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing. Published by Word.
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