James: Theology of Trial pt. 2

How can you encourage someone to count it all joy when battling a terminal illness like cancer? Have you experienced any intense suffering in your life or the lives of people close to you? How did this influence your view of trials?

According to this week's sermon, what do trials produce? Can you think of an example from your own life? (James 1:2-3, 12)

Read verse 12. There’s our word “blessed” again from before. How is it used? In this context, how does God define blessing?

Read Matthew 7:24-27

Think of the last time you went through a difficult season. Did it strengthen or weaken your intimacy with God? Are you more ready for trouble, or less ready for trouble as a result?

What lies about God are you prone to believe during trial? How might James 1:17 be a truth to hold onto?

One of the hardest things to hold onto during trial is to believe that God’s for you and not against you and to believe that His heart and His character are good.