>>>
James 1:2-4 - Joy in Trials.

James 1:2-4 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, 
when troubles come your way, consider it an 
opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your 
faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to 
grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is 
fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, 
needing nothing.  

James 1:2"4 (NRSV) My brothers and 
sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, 
consider it nothing but joy, because you know that 
the testing of your faith produces endurance; 
and let endurance have its full effect, so that 
you may be mature and complete, lacking in 
nothing.  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   In John 16:33 Jesus made a promise to His 
followers: Here on this earth, you will have many 
trials and sorrows (NLT). I can understand that, 
since this world is opposed to Jesus and all He 
stands for. But Ive always had a hard time 
understanding how Im supposed to count those trials and 
sorrows as joy. I do want my faith to become 
mature and complete, but still - joy? Then I 
heard a story from a friend that changed my 
perspective on trials.  
   One spring Mikes neighbor gave him 
some duck eggs and explained how to incubate 
them. Mike watched the eggs carefully; he 
couldnt contain his excitement when he saw the baby 
ducks trying to break their way out. When he 
noticed that some were struggling, he helped them by 
breaking off parts of the eggshell. Sadly, those baby 
ducks died. His neighbor later told him the babies 
needed that initial struggle to help them gain 
strength. So despite trying to help, Mike had actually 
killed some of the baby ducks.  
   Just as those baby ducks needed the 
struggle to grow physically stronger, we need trials 
in our lives to help our faith grow stronger. 
There is no shortcut to spiritual maturity. To get 
there, we have to travel a road of trials, 
difficulties, and sorrows. But we can persevere because of 
the second half of John 16:33. The One who 
travels with us declares, But take heart, because 
I have overcome the world (NLT). by Dianne 
Neal Matthews  
   Faith Step: Think about your hardest 
struggle. Thank Jesus that He will use it to 
strengthen your faith. [Mornings With Jesus 2020 
Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

James 1:2-4: An Opportunity for Joy: 
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190727-0954.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657  

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW (Live 
Series): 
https://www.discoverhopeawakens.com/webinar-registration-21585698406854