Good News Youth Devotional

By Tina Brockman ( Former Youth Minister at the West Richmond Church of the Brethren (VA))

James 1:1-11 “…when you ask you must believe…”

This scripture calls us to persevere during trials. If you’re like me, you might think that endurance is something that comes immediately, and when it doesn’t, you might be upset. But the beauty of being in relationship with God, is that God doesn’t say we have to be joyful or pleasant or happy as we face trials.

The NRSV version of this passage says, “…ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” God is the one who provides the wisdom, the strength, and the endurance. All God asks is that we have faith and don’t doubt. For me, I find a lot of comfort knowing that I can feel sad, angry, or disappointed, and all the while God is waiting for me to ask what I need for God to sustain me through my trials. The spiritual endurance we build as we persevere through trials contributes to our spiritual maturity and opens up new opportunities for us to follow God and serve God’s people.

Good News: We don’t have to do it alone: God gives us wisdom!

Discussion Questions: What feelings typically come up for you when facing trials? Are you bringing all your feelings to God?

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