Why We Need Trials

James 1:1-4

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
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.

Trials That Change Us

Do you ever remember hearing this statement as you grew up... "what does not kill you makes you stronger". When I was running track at Northwestern college we had these sprinter drills where you ran almost as hard as you could for 200 meters (halfway around the track). Then you would jog slowly for the next 200 meters completing one full lap around the track. We would do this sequence 8 times for 8 full laps around the track. A distance of 2 miles. Now inevitably, at least one of us sprinters on the team during this drill would pull off the track for an upchuck session. They would lose their lunch or stand there with their hands in their knees having dry heaves. Invariably when this happened you could hear our coach yell out that phrase, "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger!... Keep running!" It was always one of our most despised drills, but somehow, it did bring out of us more speed and endurance in the weeks that followed.

CHALLENGE: Over next few months I want to invite you in a journey with me through the book of James... A short 5 chapter letter toward the end of the New Testament. He starts off this letter to his fellow brothers and sisters that were scattered all over, with this amazing challenge... "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4)

NewDay September Outdoor Worship Services 11 am in back of the YMCA
September 6 - Why We Need Trials
September 13 - How Trials Produce Joy
September 20 - The Power of Perseverance
September 27 - Moving from Comfort to Conviction