The first sentence of Scott Peck's book The Road Less Traveled is:  “Life is difficult.”

Have you felt like the words of the Gaither song “Something Beautiful” is a description of your life when you came to Jesus: ALL I HAD TO OFFER HIM WAS BROKENNESS AND STRIFE.

Today we’ll learn about God’s Prescription for Life. James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Christians have trials just like Pagans. Peter wrote, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” And yet as plain as that is, some Christians are caught totally off guard when the trials come.  

And we find ourselves saying things like: 

“Why should this happen to me?”

“How could a God of love let this to happen to me?” 

“I don't deserve this. This isn't fair.”

People with perseverance simply do not quit!