Have you previously seen this story play out? A husband attempts to install said “bike rack” to the rear of the vehicle. His wife hovers in order to correct, “in love,” his installation attempt. Their “we’re just talking” response to their children's inquiry includes rising decibel levels as passerby stare in curiosity and concern. Minutes later, car seat strapped kids join the family chorus of concerted frustrations. A rising crescendo of tears and frustration produces windshield shattering frequencies sure to make someone pull down their mask and say, “Where’s my next government check? Gotta get me some noise canceling headphones.” Well, that’s what could have happened.
Instead, Hannah and I easily installed the bike rack while the kids sat peacefully playing inside the car. That is, until we needed to secure the bikes. We looked at one another in the Walmart parking lot with one of those “your guess is as good as mine” head scratching moments. I said a quick prayer out loud, “Lord, please help us secure these bikes.” As I turned, James was standing in front of me. He was the kind veteran employee who told us where the discounted, “gently used” bikes sat outside the store. His suggestion and the price tags on the bikes were our first answered prayer. His offer to help us rearrange, adjust, and strap the bikes to the rack were our second answered prayer.
A Proper Perspective
James reminded me of James, the brother of Jesus who told us that life is difficult and trial stricken (James 1:2). Our faith is tested on a daily basis while securing bike racks, seeking job offers in a downturned economy, or attempting to stabilize a weathered marriage. And yet we are told to view trials as joy, because they are not hindrances to our faith but rather helpful. We are to have a proper perspective concerning our trials, and that vantage point includes three important lessons:
- There is purpose in the pain of every trial (v.2).
- The purpose behind every trial is to produce endurance in our faith (v.3).
- The more trials we endure, the more we grow up in our faith (v.4).
James 1:4 says, “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
“Lacking in nothing” is a very interesting phrase. It makes me think to myself, “I am often lacking in something.” When trials come, I become aware of two distinct areas where I am in want. Either I am devoid of knowledge needed to endure a trial, or I am deficient in wisdom. Either I am lacking in what I need to know (knowledge) or what I need to do (wisdom).
A Proper Prayer
How then do we endure trials? James continues, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5). In other words, if you need help from God today, spend time with God today and pray. Ask God to grant you the wisdom and knowledge to endure your trials. The giver of good gifts is seeking to grant your request (James 1:17).
A Proper Posture
Before you pray though, make sure you are asking in faith (1:6). We must have unwavering, doubtless faith if we wish to see God grant us the answers to our prayers for help. God will not give the doubter that which he doubts he will receive (James 1:7). Why did Peter sink into the water? Jesus said it was because he doubted (Matthew 14:31).
What trials are you facing?
Do you need help today? (James 1:5)
Spend time with God and pray.
As you do, make sure you pray in the right way (James 1:6).
Who knows? James (the other guy) might pop up personally today to help you with your trial.