JOYFUL247

Q4. (1:5-8) What is the promise to claim in verse 5? What is the condition attached to this promise in verse 6? How do trials help us receive this wisdom? This is actually one of my favorite verses. It is clear, precise and best of all

Q3. (1:5-8) How do trials help cure us of "doublemindedness"? How do trials help us grow in faith? The saying = "get out of the boat" - comes to mind. I am reminded to stand firm and not be double-minded. Either I believe - or I don't; there is no room for grey here. I am not a fence sitter. I have sold out for God. I cling to His promises: Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4) I will never fail you nor forsake you. (Heb. 13:5) I consider our present sufferings insignificant compared to the glory that will soon be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18) How can one read the promises of God, and then doubt Him? I may have trouble in my life here on earth, yet when I cry out - it is not to condemn my God but to call on His love to be poured out on me. Blessings

Q2. (1:13-15) Why do people blame God for evil? Does God tempt us with evil? Does he tempt sinful people with evil? Why does he allow people to sin? Why does he allow evil to exist at all? I think the person who blames God (used to be me) is immature in his/her walk. I know from my own experience I had a tendency to whine and blame others for things that had gone wrong. Taking personal responsibility with regards to evil in my life was the first step. Secondly, when temptation comes - and it will - it is always my choice to act upon it. My sinful nature - is something I must always be on guard to battle - this is where the armor is important to put on every day! I am not sure of the question on why He allows evil to exist - with regards to things such as murder, child abuse - horrid things - but I must remember to always trust in His infinite wisdom...that he will be glorified through it - always. Blessings joyful247

Bold Faith... Without trials I would be a withering vine, unkept, overgrown; rotting... I find, the sooner I come to understand God's grace is in the process of the trials, the sooner He pulls out the pruning sheers and cuts away the incompleteness, enabling me to grow the good fruit of who I am becoming in Him. Because I see the value in trials, I am an example to others, giving Glory to Him for it and through it. My God is bigger than any trial that comes my way - and each time I overcome - He blesses me abundantly in ways I never imagined. I have my days though, if we are to be completely transparent and honest here on this forum, where I feel like the sheers have been wielded with such vigor that I am left as a lone stump in a desolate forest... those are the times I draw even closer to the throne... where only Gods grace can comfort me... Blessings to you and may you find comfort in Him. Joyful 247