James says “joy to you,” or “greetings.” He told his readers they ought to be happy even in the presence of many and various kinds of outward hardships and trials (James 1:2).
This is not a faked happiness, but a sincere joy because the results of overcoming trials are known. Overcoming trials will result in receiving the promise (Hebrews 10:32-39). Jesus said,
"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).
Robertson emphasized that one falls into these trials without being aware of them. Such an individual is unexpectedly, and through no fault of his own, surrounded, much like the man who fell among thieves (Luke 10:30).
Notice, James assumes trials will come. Becoming a Christian does not make one immune from life’s troubles. Jesus told his disciples, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
At the close of his first missionary journey, Paul went back to the churches and worked to strengthen the faith of the brethren. He said, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). Peter also told the brethren not to be surprised when they experienced fiery trials. He urged them to rejoice because they had proven worthy to suffer for the Lord’s sake (1 Peter 4:12-14).
Trials produce patience, which should make Christ’s followers happy (James 1:3). “Testing" here suggests raw ore going through a furnace to remove the dross (1 Peter 1:6-7). This is like a trial to prove the purity of one’s faith (Compare Genesis 22:1-14). Such trials produce a quality of lasting endurance, like a long distance runner must have.
Furthermore, if patience is allowed to progress to its absolute end, the man of God will be full grown and whole, or possess all his parts (James 1:4). Woods says of the words "lacking nothing", "Basically, the word is a racing term, and points to the fact that those who develop into mature Christians are not out-distanced by any."
James seems to anticipate his readers’ thoughts. Some would probably wonder how they could approach their trials with joy. They would feel that a greater wisdom than they possessed was required to have that joy. James says they should ask God for such wisdom, because he is a generous provider who will not reproach us for asking (James 1:5). Jesus told the listeners assembled on the mount,
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened" (Matthew 7:7-11).
The "wisdom" for which we should ask is the ability to rightly practice God’s word in the opportunities life presents (James 3:13-18).
A prayerful request for wisdom must be made with full expectation of receiving (Hebrews 11:6). The one who doubts would be inwardly torn between believing God would provide and believing he would not. Such doubt would cause his whole life to be unstable like a wave driven in different directions by the wind (compare Ephesians 4:14; Mark 11:24).
That kind of man has no reason to expect God to answer his prayers. James calls this man double-minded. This appears to be the first use of these words in combination and serves as a good description of one with divided thinking (James 1:6-8).
May God grant us the wisdom to face our trials and come out even stronger and happier.
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