Scripture Reference: James 1:2-12

Assistance for Trials (verses 5-12).

To those who feel confused and frustrated by the high goal of “not lacking anything,” James further wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.” Assistance is readily available from “the giving God.” For those who lack wisdom, this valuable resource is available simply for the asking. James assumed his readers would feel the need for wisdom, and not just knowledge. God will not only provide wisdom, but will do so generously, not grudgingly.

However, it must be noted that God’s provision has some prerequisites. To receive God’s wisdom, especially as related to trials, the believer must be also wise in asking. First, he must ask in faith. He “must believe and not doubt,” (the word for “doubt,” suggests wavering and indecision). He dare not come to God “like a wave of the sea, blown” [horizontally] “and tossed” [vertically] “by the wind.” God is not pleased with a “double-minded” (literally, “two-souled,” compare James 4:8). That “person is . . unstable in all they do,” like an unsteady, staggering drunk. The answer from God depends on a person’s assurance in God.

Furthermore one who asks for wisdom needs to evidence hope. Whatever his social or economic position, the believer must be seeking eternal advantages. The believer “in humble circumstances” can be glad in their “high position” or standing spiritually, and the believer who is “rich” can be glad for his human frailty (knowing that his “eternal glory” is in Christ, 2 Corinthians 4:17). Social prominence passes away, wealth withers away “like a wild flower” under the sun’s “scorching heat,” and fame and riches will surely “fade away.” Hope in the eternal is evidence of a believing faith.

Finally, the one who asks for wisdom must be steadfast and infused with love. God blesses the believer “who perseveres under trial.” In verse 12 James returns to the theme with which he opened the passage in verses 2–3; both refer to “trials,” “testing,” and “perseverance.” The Christian who steadfastly endures trials and has “stood the test . . . will receive the crown of life.” This “crown” consists of life, that is, the crown itself is life (see Revelation 2:10; other crowns are referred to in 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4). “The Lord has promised” [promises] such life “to those who love Him.” Love for God enables believers who undergo trials to rest confidently and with complete assurance in Him. Their steadfastness reveals their love. (It should be noted however, that some say the crown James speaks of refers not to full life now but to eternal life, for all true believers do in fact love God; see 1 John 4:8). Asking for wisdom with faith, hope, and love brings not only the blessing of wisdom but also the blessing of winning.

To have the right attitude in trials, one must see the advantage of trials, and if it is difficult to see the advantages, one can ask for aid and, if one asks correctly, God will give him the right attitude in trials. He can rejoice in trials and actually be “blessed” by enduring them.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
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