1-30-07 James 1:2-4

James 1:2-4 (KJ21)
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this: that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing.

James 1:2-4 (NAS)
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 (NIVUS)
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.

James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.

Your brothers and sisters, as well those who are not of the household of faith, watch you, as a leader in the Body of Christ, to see how you will react in various situations. Therefore, when you encounter different kinds of trials, it is important that you maintain a godly attitude; for these trials come your way to prove your quality, testing your thoughts, behavior, and character. During those times when you are tempted to lapse from faith and holiness, you must make a deliberate decision to do what the Lord would require of you. You must decide to maintain your joy and your peace, putting your trust completely in Him.

You have come to know and understand that these trials ultimately are for your benefit. They prove that your belief in the Almighty God and Jesus, His Son, has not been in vain. Your trust and confidence in the Lord are demonstrated in your obedience and yieldedness to His will, no matter what comes against you. The trying of your faith produces a steadfastness and endurance that can be gained no other way. This patient waiting helps you not succumb to the greatest of sufferings; for you know that your God will not leave you nor forsake you.

As you hold on to your faith, through this patient perseverance, you will see each and every trial come to an end. Your calm and brave endurance will bring you to a state of completeness and perfection; you will display the consummate of human integrity and virtue. Every area of your life will be whole and you will lack nothing nor be destitute. Yours will be a life defined by the shalom, the peace, that God bestows on you.