When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that 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 perfect and complete, needing nothing. -James 1:2-4
What is trouble? That is the question! Is it losing a football game? Is it being sick? Is it having to get your kids to a bunch of different events? Is it having to get up early?
My buddy Julio Cuomo likes to say, "We don't know trouble. The disciples - they knew trouble." They knew that if they followed Jesus they could get killed. Now that' trouble. So, when James says, "When troubles come your way" I think he had a little different view of what trouble was.
I love our church people. I love the folks who hang out with God on a daily basis. But, if I have one criticism, their view of trouble seems a little warped. I'll just say it, There are a lot of wimps out there!
Now, that's not bad. James is saying right here - no matter what "trouble" is to you - it can help you grow. But, maybe this is also a good reminder that "trouble" is supposed to test your faith, supposed to grow your endurance. If it's not doing that, then maybe it's not trouble.
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