Last night our small group started a study on James. We watch a short 10 -12 minute video where Francis Chan breaks down some pretty cool things and then discuss. In the video last night, he gave this AWESOME example of what it means to be “tested” as referred to in James 1:2-8.

He said the word “tested” comes from the process that silver smiths would use. They would heat the silver until the impurities rise to the top. Once the impurities were there, the smith would scrape them off and repeat the process. The smith would only know that the silver was “tested” when he could look down into the silver and see his own reflection!

Isn’t this what our Father does when he tests us? The testing heat that is applied causes those impurities to be exhumed from us. He does this over and over until He can look down at us and see Himself! This is why we “Count it all joy”. Because we know that one day the Lord will look down and see His reflection. When we cannot understand the tests, we only need to ask for unwavering wisdom, because He will give it to us generously!

James 1: 2-8

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. As you are tested, be reminded that God is doing His work so that you can reflect Him!

Soli Deo Gloria

Jesse Horne