God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not

a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James

1:2

a. A secret for Christian growth

b. When troubles or trials come your way

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But

take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through . . . Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you

partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to

all the world. 1 Peter 4:12,13

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials

will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more

precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and

glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:6-7

a. God designs tests to stretch our faith

We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you

are suffering. 2 Thessalonians 1:4

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James

1:4

b. Allow perseverance to do its job

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And

endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope

will not lead to disappointment. Romans 5:3-5

c. Results of spiritual endurance

i. Spiritual development

ii. Correction

iii. Direction

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. James 1:12

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according

to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

a. We can expect God to respond generously

Get wisdom; develop good judgment Don’t forget my words or turn away from them Don’t turn your back on wisdom,

for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever

else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:5-7

b. When we present that request to God, He will not rebuke us

But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as

unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:6

c. When it comes to faith, don’t be double-minded