University of Joy Through Trials

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete,

not lacking anything. 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."

James 1:2-5 (New International Version)

 

My friends and I are attending the University of Joy Through Trials together on Tuesday morning as we study the book of James.  We talk and laugh together and we pray together for one another.  Pam Caples assembles an e-mail prayer list for us and she always gives some insightful commentary before she lists the prayer requests.  Listen to Pam's thoughts on this week's lesson:

 

"GOT TRIALS? Every one of us has gone through trials some time in our lives. In fact, many of us are going through a trial at this very monent.  Experiencing trials can cause us to doubt God and His love for us, become discouraged, complain about our situation, or even make us blame God for the hardship we are going through.  Instead, James tells us to consider it a great joy whenever we experience various trials.  If you're like me, joy is not what I'm feeling when life is 'chewing me up and trying to spit me out'!  In James 1:2-3, James is asksing us to choose to have a joyful attitude when life has 'thrown you a curveball', because that trial will test the faith in God you claim you have.  And, when you have passed the test with 'flying colors', it will produce the endurance you need to get through the next trial and the next...So, GOT TRIALS...BE JOYFUL!"

 

Our study meets Tuesday mornings from 9:45-11:30 a.m. in Room 405.  We will be offering the same study in James on Wednesday nights, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., beginning Wednesday, November 7, 2012. Both men and women are welcome at the Wednesday night study.  Plan to join us!

--Posted by Mama O.