1. J AMES 1:5-8 P USH C OMES TO S HOVE

2. J AMES Review- James 1- Trials are external circumstances that test our faith. They are also evidence that God is working in our lives. Every trial carries with it the seed of a gift that we only get if we persevere (“remain under” it) Key Verse: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves- James 1:22 (NKJ)

3. J AMES Every trial creates choices. How do I know which direction to take? If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him- vs. 5

4. J AMES Wisdom - The right application of knowledge Ask God Wants to give Is waiting to be asked

5. J AMES Ask continually God is as interested in the process of making me like Christ as he is in the resolution of my situation God gives generously Without finding fault

6. J AMES The Key Ingredient - Trust in advance But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does- vs. 6-8

7. J AMES Doubt - Going back and forth between trusting God and trusting self. “Double-souled”- can’t settle down, trust God and persevere

8. J AMES Doubt= “When God gives me answer, then I’ll make a choice that seems best to me” Faith= “I commit in advance to follow the path you lay out for me, regardless of how I feel about it at that moment, Lord” Doubt= “I’m in control” Faith= “God is in control” Note : Can’t be both

9. J AMES Faith won’t always make sense Wisdom is a process. Some answers are direct, some are circumstantial

10. J AMES Doubt puts the circumstance between me and God Faith puts God between me and the circumstance