James 1:1-12 ESVWe are kicking off our GRIT & GRACE sermon series in the book of James. If you've ever felt like life just keeps coming at you- one wave after another- this book is for you. If you've ever wondered, "What is God doing in this trial?" or "Why is faith so hard sometimes?" - James doesn't give us clichés. He gives us clarity. In no way do we mean to make light of or belittle the trauma, the pain or the suffering that you have experienced or are experiencing. God is near to you and He is for you. 1. Identity MattersJames 1:1 "James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ.."James doesn't open his letter quite like we might start a letter today. He could have said,"Hey it's me James the brother of Jesus, or this is the leader of the church in Jerusalem. Rather, he identifies himself as a a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ." That's humility, that's true identity. James knew a deep truth - Before we can talk about a faith that works, we need to know who we are and who we serve. You can only develop grit and hold onto grace when your identity is firmly rooted in Christ. When trials come, what identity rises in you? is it "I'm a victim." or "I've got to fix this myself." or is it "I'm a servant of Jesus, and He's got this."?2. Trials Make Your Faith StrongerJames 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds..." This verse sounds crazy and even slightly unsympathetic on the surface." It's not quite what you want to hear someone say to you when you're mourning or grieving. But James doesn't stop there. He's not saying we should try to enjoy our pain or suffering. But in our suffering remembering the goodness of God. If He's allowing for us to endure this there must be a bigger and better end. If we are to press in and pray harder and trust deeper than we can be assured our faith is growing stronger. In trials we are faced with resistance and resistance if endured strengthens our faith. 3.Seek Wisdom, Not Relief James 1:5-8 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God..." When facing adversity our first instinct is usually to pray to God for an out. "Get us out, Lord, save us Lord." "Calm the storm". But James tells us to have a different approach. "God, give me wisdom in this." Wisdom is better than escape. Wisdom asks: What is God doing in me? What can I learn? What fruit can grow here? 4. Circumstances Will Change, Stay FocusedJames1:9-12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life...." We are all in different situations, physically, emotionally, financially, but trials come for all of us. It's true. But James says those who endure will receive the crown of life - God's reward for those who hold on. It's not about how fast you run - It's that you finish, with Jesus. The world rewards earthly success. God rewards faithfullness.Some if you are in the middle of a trial. You're tired. You're stretched. You may even feel like you're failing. Hear this: God is not testing you to punish you - He's growing your faith to prepare you. You don't have to have it all together. Just hold on. Have grit. Trust the grace of Jesus. We love you church, see ya next time!