APRIL 1

James 1:2-4

TESTING YOUR FAITH

Let’s devote time to studying the book of James this month. James is a short and practical book that teaches you how to live the Christian life. James says, "Be ye doers of the word". So let us embark on this learning journey of discovering how to put our Christian faith into practice.

There are 2 types of ‘temptations’ –good and bad.The bad type refers to problems or sufferings due to wrongdoing. One example is when king David sinned, and his child died in infancy. e good type refers to problems or sufferings allowed by God, not because we sin, but because God wants to test us.The good type is what James refers to.These problems can shake our faith in God. When a problem shakes our trust in God, can it be good?

Have you ever experienced tough times? Perhaps your parents have lost jobs, your loved ones suffered a terminal illness or have had a major operation. Maybe friends have told a terrible lie about you, or classmates named you in some wrongdoing? Or a friend whom you trusted has deserted you?

Can you think of other unhappy things that you have experienced?
Answer: ______________________________________________

What shall we do when we face ‘diverse temptations’ when we have not done any wrong? God said such su erings are to test our faith. Do we still trust God during times of temptations? When we trust God, we pass the test and God will be pleased.

Not everyone likes tests. But tests are necessary. You’ve tests and examinations in schools.Your teacher gives you assessments. Why? So that they and you will know how much you know or don’t know about a subject. In quite the same way, this is why God tests us. God doesn’t need to test us to know how we would fare – He is omniscient and knows all things. ese tests are for us to know who we are, in which areas we can improve, and how we need to continue to turn to Jesus.

Thought: Are problems good for a Christian?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, when I face problems, help me to run to You and trust You with my whole heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.