James: Wisdom for Practical LifeSample

Wisdom During Suffering 

If someone were to ask one thing when they face suffering or trial, what would they ask? Maybe they would ask that the suffering end. Or maybe they might ask for the reason behind their suffering. Why this suffering? Why me? In this passage, God desires that we ask for wisdom when we suffer. 

We face all kinds of suffering (v.2). Maybe you are going through some kind of trial or suffering right now. Jesus says in John 16:33, that in this world we will have trouble and suffering. This is not something we should be surprised about or resent as followers of Jesus. 

But the way we respond to suffering is different from this world. The world hates suffering, and will do their best to prevent suffering or even run from suffering. They grow angry, bitter and upset when they suffer. But knowing that suffering will come and that no one is exempt helps us face suffering without any false hopes but with the truth of God’s word. When you suffer, do you resent it? Does it make you angry with God? Do you have questions about why you suffer? 

The Bible does not give us one specific reason why we suffer and we may never know the full reason. But in v.3, it says suffering is a test of our faith. Tests reveal what we have learned. In our culture, we don’t like tests and exams. But this test is a good thing, and it reveals what we have learned about this subject. Suffering reveals what we truly believe in for our hope and strength. Usually suffering makes us angry because it hinders what we want to do, what we set out to achieve, it spoils our plans and ruins what we desire. It reveals where our true hope lies. 

Suffering also results in spiritual maturity. In v.4, suffering has the capacity to help you grow stronger and mature in your faith. Suffering makes us useful to others. We become more empathetic, gracious, humble, compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others who suffer. 

How can we gain such perspective in the midst of our most trying times? When we have wisdom and when we walk in that wisdom. In v.5, God says to ask for wisdom when you suffer and God will give it without finding fault. When we ask for wisdom during suffering, God is not annoyed or frustrated with us that we still don’t get it. But He generously gives us the wisdom we lack. It pleases God that we walk in His wisdom especially during suffering. 

What does walking in wisdom look like during suffering? 

We watch our desires and motives. In v.13-14, we see that we are tempted to sin during suffering by getting angry, being bitter and filled with unbelief when we are dragged away by our own desires and impulses. 

We respond in joy. It does not mean we enjoy suffering or we go looking for suffering or just laugh it off. We have the same mind of Christ where He endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Heb 12:12). We respond in joy for what suffering can result in: our perseverance, maturity and wisdom. 

We lean on God and His people. God gives us resources that help, comfort, guide, strengthen and encourage us through suffering. God invites us to lean on Him and His people to receive these gifts. We are not alone in our suffering. 

How is it possible for us not to stumble during suffering? In v.12, the passage refers to the man who remains steadfast under trial and receives the crown of life which God has promised. There is one man who stood firm, unwavering, undoubting and unflinching in the face of the greatest trial man can face. It was Jesus. He faced the ultimate suffering on your behalf, on behalf of the whole world. And because He was steadfast, He received the ultimate crown of life on our behalf. Jesus did it for us. And it is because of what He has done, we don’t have to be afraid of stumbling in our suffering. His presence is with you. His power is available for you. And the crown of life has been already won for you.