Stand Confident
READ: James 1:2-12
CHALLENGE: Put your confidence in Jesus
My ultimate confidence is in Jesus. Jesus is faithful, not a politician who makes empty promises. He is righteous and just, with power and authority. Through His love and sacrifice, He freely gives us forgiveness and redemption. If we believe in Him and what He has done, we will be given eternal life. This life is only a fleeting moment that we are passing through until we reach our eternal home.
Today’s challenge is to put your confidence in Jesus.
Let’s look at James 1:2-12 to understand why we can stand confident in Jesus and Jesus alone. Open your Bibles or turn on your phones to James 1:2-3:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Consider It Pure Joy!
One unique aspect of the book of James is how it starts boldly with a challenging command: to find joy in the difficult things happening to us. James tells us that trials will come our way, not if but when. These trials test our faith, producing perseverance. Trials are not just walks through the valleys but are designed to reveal the quality of our faith and build spiritual stamina.
Testing and Perseverance
Just as James 2:19 reminds us, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder,” our faith must go beyond mere belief. Trials test this faith, just as an intense downpour tested the sump pump in my basement, flooding it and causing a mess. Through hard work and perseverance, we fixed the problem and emerged stronger. Similarly, trials shape our character and strengthen our faith, just as fixing the basement strengthened my marriage.
Working Your Faith Muscle
What are you doing to strengthen your faith muscle? Attending church is a good start, but it’s not enough. Like working out at a gym, you must actively engage with your faith through prayer, Bible study, and witnessing to others. If you don’t, you risk becoming spiritually weak and vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
Perseverance and Wisdom
James 1:4-5 says: “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” We need perseverance to become mature and complete Christians. Pray daily, asking God for wisdom. He will give it generously, not based on our worthiness but on our request.
Believing Without Doubting
James 1:6-8 reminds us to believe and not doubt: “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Doubt can destabilize our faith. Strengthen your faith by reading the Bible, praying, and engaging with a faith community. God desires our trust and rewards our faith.
Finding Contentment in God
James 1:9-11 advises us to take pride in humble circumstances and find contentment in God. Wealth does not impress God; spiritual growth does. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” God values our hearts, not our possessions.
The Crown of Life
James 1:12 promises, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Standing strong through trials results in God’s reward, both in this life and in the next. Our eternal salvation is based solely on faith in Christ, leading to enriched eternal life for those who persevere.
As we close, reflect on what your confidence is built upon. Is it in the temporary things of this world or in the eternal promise of Jesus? Fix your eyes on Jesus, ask for what you lack, and stand confident in Him.
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