On Sunday we continued our study of James, a book of wisdom for living life from God's perspective. God's ways are not always our ways, but our ways often win because we like control. The heart of our struggle is our misunderstanding of the gospel.
When we forget the gospel, we begin to live as if God owes us something for our religious activity. This leaves us adrift, trying to keep our options open, as James describes someone trying to serve two masters-- God and self.
Trials are meant to release us from the bondage of self-reliance. Pain pushes past our control and coping mechanisms, so that we can be transformed more fully into the image of Christ. We find that God is our companion in pain and struggle. If we turn to God, with confidence in his character, we do not lose heart.
