Navigating Life's Sandbars

KEY VERSES

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4, NASB

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:4, NASB

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
James 1:5-8, NASB

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.
James 1:12-18, NASB

CENTRAL IDEAS

Be less concerned with how to get out of the trouble, and more concerned with what to get out of the trouble.

You can either deny it, dislike it or be developed by it.

Channel Marker #1: Trials produce endurance.

Channel Marker #2: Trials provoke a thirst for wisdom.

Channel Marker #3: Trials provide a fresh perspective.

Channel Marker #4: Trials promise a glorious future.

APPLICATION

The trees that are toughened by storms have the finest grain. Don’t resent your troubles. Don’t begrudge the bad days. Or the very well disguised “blessings.” They are the only way you will be able to fly, and eventually avoiding the sandbars of life that seek to shipwreck your life.

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