Christian Devotional – April 24, 2023

James, Day 1

We’ve been looking at leaders. Now let’s spend some time in the New Testament with the brother of Jesus and leader of the early church, James. Read James 1:1-18.

The early church was experiencing a lot of trials. As a result, that’s what the book of James deals with: how to make it through trials. This was something that they were living everyday. James wanted to make sure that the church understood what God had to say about the fact that they were being persecuted for their faith.

How do we manage when we are going through difficult times and trials? What are leaders supposed to say to help us navigate the disappointment and fear that go along with these struggles?

James reminds the people to keep their focus on their ultimate reward and on the God that they are serving. James knows that this life is going to be really difficult and challenging for them. However, God has not promised us victory in this life. God has promised us victory in eternal life. However, God has promised that in this life he will be with us as we go through these trials and difficulties. He will enable us to endure. He will use them to glorify himself.

Are we enduring through the hard times? Are we standing strong and making it through and are we doing it in such a way that we are giving glory to God through every step that we take?