James 1:2-8 (NIV) Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Points of interest:
• James was a servant of God.
• James is the writer and leader of the church.
• His letter was to provide encouragement to the church in their faith     during hardships or difficult times.
• James uses the word “whenever” meaning: you will face hardship.
• We need to turn our hardships into learning.
• Many of us have a hard time to be happy during hard times.
• But we need to learn to have a positive outlook due to what those hardships teach us. (He consider it pure joy)
• Tough times can teach us perseverance (meaning steadfastness and patience).
• Hardships develop our character.
1. We need to go through something to see what we are made of.
We need to remember that God never leaves us along, but we leave him. He is always present.
James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
Remember, the way to be in God’s winning circle is by loving him and staying faithful even under difficulties and pressures.