James 1:2-4 — Everyone desires a life of stability, peace, and abundance. While the look of such a life might vary from person to person and from time to time, everyone wants some form of that life. Driven by that longing, we tend to lament our struggles and envy those who seem to possess that life (cf. Psalm 73:1-15). That desire also motivates individuals to hold out God’s promise to cause “all things to work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:29). However, the desire for a “good” life and the anticipation that God will grant it often conflicts with our culturally shaped values – we assuming God defines “good” the same way they define it. This intersection should cause us to pay attention to James’ comment in James 1:2-4. James reminds us that, although difficult, trials can be a source of blessing because they challenge us to trust God more than our assumptions about how things should work. This lesson introduces a month-long series exploring some things we should be thankful for, beginning with our thankfulness for trials.
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