James 1:12-14

I think I say this every time we write out of the book of James, but it’s just important to me. James was Jesus’s brother. I’m not sure where in the birth order he was, but it’s a big deal. I’m an only child, so I’m not speaking from experience. However, I had 3 children of my own, so watching them grow up, I can only imagine how it would have been to have Jesus as a big brother. He never sinned. Even as a child. So He was completely perfect. It would have been EASY to reject Him & God. Have you ever thought about that?

The fact that James calls himself a slave of God & Jesus in verse 1 is amazing! No matter what growing up with Him was like, James believed and was fully surrendered to living God’s ways.

In verse 12 here, James says God blesses those who endure testing. That’s a promise we can hold on to! God knows what’s going on in our lives. He can see & hear us every second of every hour.

I had us write verses 13 & 14 to make a point. God doesn’t send temptation our way. It’s not always the enemy either. We have to realize that we can cause our own issues sometimes. When we endure and get through the hard stuff, we are rewarded! Hold on and keep moving forward!