But he should ask in faith, not doubting. (James 1:1-11)

The apostle James is writing to a people persecuted, battered by trials and very familiar with the cost of faith. He exhorts them to remain strong, trust that perseverance will result in greater wisdom, a type of perfection and completeness.  He further urges them to pray for what they need, trusting that God gives “generously and ungrudgingly.” As we face our own trials and tribulations, we are called to the same steadfastness as these early Jewish Christians. We see the evil that seems too pervasive to consider it “all joy.” We are not called to put on some kind of façade that tries to cover up the injustices in our world, but rather to trust that God’s word will never be stopped from taking root and succeeding in what it was meant to do.