“Count it All Joy”

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:2-8

To be honest, these haven’t been the first verses I’ve run to in the midst of this trial. “Count it all joy.”  Really?!

But over time, God has graciously drawn me to this passage and taught me encouraging, faith-building lessons as I have sought to study and plunge its depths.

One sermon that has helped me explore this passage is by Russell Moore from his series on James, "Life in the Mist". I've listened to it several times and highly recommend it as an insightful introduction to this passage of Scripture.

Whether or not you are in a trial, we all need wisdom; and thanks be to God, He promises to give generously to all, without reproach!