The passage I want to share with you is from my favourite book of the Bible – James. Let’s look at chapter 1:2-5 where it says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds” (NIV). Right off the bat we are told to be happy with the trials and temptations we suffer through every day. But that doesn’t sound right does it? We’re weak, mortal creatures that must endure whatever daily life throws at us - and we are told to be happy about that? 

In the next verse we read “...because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance”, and further “let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (NIV). 

Our suffering brings us perseverance! That’s great news. Through suffering we gain the ability to persist through the tough times; to grow strong and resilient until we’re mature and ready for what God has planned for us. 

But what if we’re still lacking? What if it doesn’t feel like the way is getting any easier? Day after day of the same struggles can feel like we’re being beaten down, and we can begin to lose hope. 

Where to next? What if I can’t smile through the storm anymore? We read “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” (NIV). 

Well, there’s our answer. 

When the going gets tough we can turn to our Father and He will help us get through our trials. Better yet He will do so without judgement. Even though we may give in to our temptations, time and time again God will still understand and forgive us. 

There is no one who can honestly say that they haven’t been through tough times at some point. We are only human, and sometimes can feel burdened with the struggles of this life. However, we can get the strength from these verses to be strong enough to smile through the storm. And if we need more to get us through, we can turn to God in prayer and He will help us through - which is one of the most important things to remember. And that’s what makes these verses in the book of James my favourite verses in the Bible.