My Life Group is beginning a study on the Book of James this week. We just finished. A series called, Fan or Follower. James is the younger brother of Jesus. James shared God's word through letters that formed as the Book of James in the Bible.
Each week we are focusing on a chapter in the Book of James. This post contains my thoughts on the first chapter of James, prior to meeting with my Life Group.
James tells us to welcome our trials that we face as overcoming said trials will show our commitment and strength in our faith. Our ability to overcome the challenges presented by our trials prove what kind of people we are capable of being.
Not only that, our challenges teach us how much we are capable of handling. How will we ever know what our capabilities are if we don't face challenges in life? Think of the sense of empowerment you have when you completely trust God.
Studying James with my Life Group
We don't have to face our trials alone, instead we should welcome our opportunity to share and grow with others. My Life Group is an opportunity to share the trials that I face, along with hearing from others, who are also committed to their walk with Christ.
Our experiences shared help us to mature, and to face our challenges boldly standing with each other, and with God.
Admittedly, I feared what would happen when I joined my Life Group. I thought it possible that others would judge me, that I would not fit in. I'm so happy to say that my Life Group is very diverse, and yet we all blend so well.
(2)“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, (3)because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. (4)Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (5)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. (6)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. (7)That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. (8)Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”
James 1:2-8 NIV