Spiritual maturity is being able to view trials as opportunities for growth. James 1 reminds us that when struggles come, we’re called to let faith arise.
Our trials are not punishments but opportunities that increase endurance and our dependence on God. James 1 reminds us that in all things, we’re called to let faith arise. The chapter emphasizes turning to God for wisdom, living rather than just hearing God’s Word, denying the desires of the flesh that lead us into temptation, and caring for the vulnerable.
Turning to God for Wisdom
God freely gives wisdom to those who ask without doubting. James compares the one who doubts to the waves of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind (Verse 6). Doubt is displeasing to the Lord, and we should therefore not expect to receive anything from Him (Verse 7). James is very clear that a person who doubts is double-minded and unstable in all they do (Verse 8).
When we doubt, we dishonor God. When we let faith arise and guide us, we honor God. We say, “I trust You, Lord.” Faith conveys our willingness to not only understand God’s will for us, but to apply it in our lives.
Living the Word of God
In verse 19, James tells us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Rather, we are to get rid of anything that separates us from God and to humbly accept and live His Word. For it is His Word that saves us —whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do (Verse 25).
When we let faith arise, we’re eager to do God’s will. We don’t want to be separated from Him. Instead, we remain steadfast and willing to go where He leads us. He will never lead us astray, for in everything God is good and righteous (Psalm 145:17).
God Does Not Tempt Us
God does not tempt anyone with evil, as He is holy and untemptable. Rather, temptation occurs when we focus on our own desires. Temptation leads us to sin and to falling short of God’s glory.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
While our trials may come from God to strengthen our faith, temptation to sin is a result of our own selfish desires. James warns against blaming God for personal failings, telling us that we are responsible for our words and actions. When we let faith arise, we’re provided the strength we need to resist temptation before it matures into sin.
Caring for the Vulnerable
Verse 27 tells us that to God, pure and undefiled religion is a combination of compassionate action and personal holiness. According to James, religion is not a set of rules to earn salvation, but the outward expression of a heart transformed by God.
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
What does this mean? It means we should consistently work to remain pure, keeping ourselves unblemished by the world. We should consistently reach out to the most vulnerable and helpless in society, providing for their needs, both physical and spiritual. Most of all, it means that faith is not just about what we believe, but how we live—combining love for others with a life set apart for God.
When we let faith arise, we’re willing to set aside our own needs to help others. We’re able to see God moving in the world and, thus, moving us to fulfill His purpose for our lives.
Let Faith Arise
We will face hardship in this life.
We’ll know pain, and we’ll know grief.
We’ll wander in the wilderness,
seeking comfort and relief.
At times, we’ll even question,
If God can hear our cries.
That’s the moment to surrender and let your Faith Arise.
For God sees all our struggles.
He knows that in our pain,
We falter in conviction,
and forget to call His Name.
At times, we’ll even question,
If he is on our side.
That’s the moment to surrender and let your Faith Arise.
He’s there when we’re surrounded
by the darkness of the night.
Too weak to understand that He,
is present in our fight.
At times we’ll doubt His Mercy,
on which we can rely.
That’s the moment to surrender and let your Faith Arise.
It’s when our Faith is tested
that we should reach for Him.
It’s in our human weakness
that His saving Grace begins.
He meets us in the trenches,
where His Love for us abides.
He calls you to surrender and let your Faith Arise.
Endurance comes through Faith
that withstands life’s changing tides.
You’ll find Him in surrender,
so let your Faith Arise.
Amen.
JN Fenwick (©2026)
JN Fenwick (©2026) | mothjournal14 | All rights reserved. | I DO NOT WALK THIS RECOVERY JOURNEY ALONE.
I’m JN Fenwick.
Wife, mom, but more importantly, a recovering alcoholic with a grateful heart. For years, I struggled, not just with alcohol, but with an eating disorder and the burdens of guilt and shame. On March 22, 2018, I surrendered my life to Christ. I was 51. God did not forsake me. He welcomed me, as undeserving as I am. He did not see my brokenness. Instead, He saw my potential. My Recovery Journey is one of Faith. From the ashes of my failures, God built a fire in me. A fire that guides each step I take. My journey is yours. My healing can be yours, too. God is a mighty warrior. You can take comfort in the promise that the Lord will fight for you and grant you peace.
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