In James 1 we find help in times of trial and temptation. On our own, we just don’t know how to process a trial. We aren’t wise enough to see the good, meaningful purpose behind them. We are prone to be stuck “in the moment”, only able to comprehend the sorrow that we are experiencing in the trial. James addresses this deficiency in our wisdom by telling us to ask God for wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all with out reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 ESV)
It takes humility to turn to someone for help when you are in a trial. Most of us would rather suffer to ourselves than admit weakness and seek help. This attitude is foolishness, and ultimately it is pride. James urges us to turn to God and request wisdom from him. He is the gracious Father (James 1:17) who promises us to give wisdom and steadfastness when we ask for it. Why would we turn elsewhere? The wisdom that comes from God opens our eyes to see the profit of trials. On our own, we see chaos and destruction. God promises to show us purpose, but we must ask Him for wisdom, trusting that He will freely give it to us.
Let me encourage you to not interpret your trials apart from prayer. Don’t submit to feelings of hopelessness and chaos in trials. Rather turn to God in humility, and ask for wisdom. “Father, I don’t know why you would have this for me now. But I pray that you would show me, and I pray that you would grant me faith and understanding that this trial might be used for my good and your glory. I am not wise, I need Your wisdom.”
In doing so we will not waste our trials by simply enduring them, but we will learn from them, and be perfected and completed through them (James 1:4).
