A Word from James: Trouble

by Marilynn Chadwick

If one of you is having troubles, he should pray. (James 5:13 ICB)

Trouble. What's your reaction to times of trouble? James gives a simple prescription: Prayer. But instead of being our first response, prayer is often an afterthought. We remember to pray only after we've exhausted ourselves trying to fix the trouble—if we remember at all.

The word for trouble in the Greek language, kakopatheo, comes from two words which mean "to suffer," and "evil." James uses a broad brush to describe most any kind of hardship we might endure. “If one of you is having troubles, he should pray. If one of you is happy, he should sing praises” (James 5:13). 

We see a couple of kinds of prayer in today’s verse: Petition and praise. Both have their place in the life of a believer. 

When trouble hits, we're to pray to God for help. The word for prayer used here comes from a Greek word that means "to wish." This kind of petition can be very specific in nature. When you're in trouble, you need help. Prayer is a powerful solution when I'm in trouble only if I believe God has the power to change my situation.

But what about those times when you're happy? Also time to pray, according to James. He reminds us to praise—another kind of prayer. We can sing songs in our heart (or out loud) to God. Through the prayer of praise, we invite the Lord into our times of happiness.

Sometimes life is good. Other times, it's marred by trouble. In either situation, we can draw comfort, encouragement, and joy through prayer, because as James reminds us, prayer works. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16 NIV).

Lord, remind me to pray. Let prayer become my first response. When prayer is foremost in my mind, Lord, it shows I’m learning to trust you. Prayer is all about the relationship with you. Prayer works. The more watchful I become, the more I notice your answers. Prayer is my pipeline to your heart. And as I am learning, that's the best reward of all.

A Word from James: Patience

by Marilynn Chadwick

We count as blessed those who have persevered. (James 5:11 NIV)

"Better not pray for patience," a friend once warned. "The Lord will be sure to send you some trouble!" I'm not sure I agree with her theology. Rather, I believe tough times come because we live in a fallen world where hardship and pain are simply a reality.  

Jesus himself warns, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). James reminds us that if we persevere—holding up patiently under trial—we will be blessed. Happy. Fortunate. Even joyful (James 1:2-4). 

The word patience translated, makrothymia, comes from two words which mean "long" and "anger." A patient person is "long-suffering" as opposed to one who gives in to hasty anger. James encourages us to observe the farmer as an example of patience: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:7,8).

I have to confess I'm not eager to walk through circumstances that build patience. Be honest. How often do you see the words patient and happy in the same sentence? But God promises to transform our hard places into places of joy. Christians who have suffered persecution in dangerous places tell of how God gave them supernatural patience and even joy right in the middle of their afflictions!

My friend Ange's family was torn apart during the Rwandan genocide. When fleeing from the soldiers, she became separated from her husband Emanuel, not knowing his whereabouts until they were miraculously reunited after eight long years of searching for each other!

When I asked Ange how she survived, she answered, "I stood on Romans 5:3-5. God promised me that I could rejoice in my sufferings. Perseverance produces character, and character hope." "And hope," she added softly, "does not disappoint us” (Romans 5:5 NASB). 

Perhaps we could learn a lesson from believers like Ange who follow Christ in hard places where persecution and hardship are a daily threat. As we look at their patience in the face of suffering, let’s take heart from their example and learn to stand firm in our own trials.

A Word from James: Resist

by Marilynn Chadwick

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 NIV)

Learning how to resist the devil is the key to victory in spiritual warfare. God's Word is fundamental in our fight. It’s also crucial to pray. But James reminds us that we can't beat the devil unless we resist.  

To resist is "to exert force in opposition." Spiritual victory requires spiritual muscles. James coaches us to take a forceful stand against the devil’s temptation, while also asserting our wills to obey God. Nowhere is this twin command clearer than in today's verses: “So place yourselves under God’s authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you” (James 4:7 GOD'S WORD Translation).

The Bible reveals the spiritual nature of our battle. We're told to be alert to the devil's schemes and take up our weapons of war. James points out we can't resist the devil without first submitting our wills to God.

I especially like the God’s Word (GW) translation of this verse: "So place yourselves under God's authority." Authority is not a popular word today. But you can't experience the power of God's Word in battle and wield its authority unless you're also under its authority.

Victory in our spiritual battles is directly related to submission to God's authority. This, in turn, builds resistance—our spiritual strength against the devil. Much like strengthening the body’s resistance to disease.

Spiritual battles are won before the moment of temptation. When I spend time in God's Word. When I’m faithful in prayer. And when I’m attentive to "temple upkeep," or the care of my body and mind, I am also strengthening my resistance.

Physical resistance training involves pushing against a source of resistance, such as a weight, to increase one's strength. Spiritual resistance is the same. Spend time today meditating on the simple but powerful truth in James.

Are you willing to place yourself under God's authority? Think of some steps you can take to build your spiritual resistance. And when the daily temptations come, remember to "exert force in opposition." God's promise is clear. If you do this, the devil will eventually flee from you. You may discover that the very attack that was designed to bring you down has actually made you stronger.

Lord, I am challenged to be alert to the devil's schemes. Help me remember that victory is won before the moment of trial. I submit to your Word and commit to build my resistance on a daily basis. Above all, I trust you for the victory.