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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4

Read: James 1:2-4
Listen: James 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

By definition, trials are hard and uncomfortable. But believers can trust that God is at work through trials to renovate their hearts. James counsels his readers to rejoice in the face of trials “because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:3-4).

The testing of our faith produces perseverance, which is the ability to endure in the face of difficulty. In other words, God uses trials we face to strengthen the muscles of our faith. Though trials do not guarantee growth, they are a component for our growth in Christ. God’s aim in our lives is more than our comforts or conveniences. He is after our hearts. God uses the trials we encounter to renovate our hearts and form our character to become more like Jesus.

TODAY: Think back through a time of growth in your life. Journal about the seasons where your faith grew the most and what led to that growth. Then thank God for how he has used trials to make you more like Jesus. Listen to the Beyond the Weekend Podcast HERE to dig deeper into this passage with Senior Pastor Aaron Buer and other staff members.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Luke 12. Highlight anything that refers to the Old Testament and how Jesus fulfills it. Note how Jesus talks about his return and the title he uses for himself. Consider what Old Testament passage this points back to.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.