James 1:1-8.

Recently our youngest came down with the latest “bug” being spread around her elementary school. Students and staff were waylaid at home, as this particular germ was nasty. Stuck at home with a fever and feeling terrible, she cried out in a moment of particular discomfort, “Why me?!?”

I think most of us can relate to her predicament and sentiment. We have all found ourselves in an uncomfortable situation and questioned why we have to suffer. Even the most positive, upbeat personalities hit a rough patch that rattles their cheerfulness.

James encourages his readers to face trials with the attitude that the situation can produce perseverance (which seems to suggest that we could face trials and produce apathy). This perseverance can be understood as grit or resilience—that quality in someone that allows them to be flexible enough to “bounce back” from trials. James connects this perseverance with maturity.

Maturity asks not “Why me” when trials come our way. Maturity asks God for wisdom and guidance to persevere through our trials—depending on God’s grace. What will happen to us if we turn our focus from ourselves to focusing on God?

This week, when faced with a trial, look to God.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson