Faith

A Commentary on James


Do your troubles reveal faith that can save?

Have you ever asked God why you face so many hardships? Charles Spurgeon once said, “I have learned to kiss the wave that strikes me against the Rock of Ages.” He, like many others, discovered what riches lie in the bed of troubles. For the Christian, the relentless surges smash us against the God of salvation where He is glorified and we are purified. So “count it all joy,” says James. The rushing winds and merciless waters of difficulties, agitations, suffering, stress, strife, and guilt are all thrusting you toward Christ. A collision is inevitable.

Do your troubles reveal faith that can save? In the Bible, James progresses through a series of troubles like the ones you face and ones you may not even know you face. He calls them trials. When our sinful lives collide against the holiness of God and our pride is smashed to pieces, we find the foremost gift of God as deposited in us by Christ. In our wreckage, we can learn to appreciate our troubles for what they are—divinely purposed trials that reveal and mature our belief in Christ. In this book, we will follow along with James and see what we can uncover about the foremost gift of God: Faith.

Find out why trials are our greatest gifts… This book explores 18 characteristics of faith in order to help you mature as a Christ follower. But before you can begin your journey, you must be ready and willing to let the waves wreck you again and again.

Do your troubles reveal faith that can save?

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)