This week launches our 19 week series through the book of James, a book written by Jesus’ own half-brother. James moved from seeing Jesus not just as a family member, but as God and Savior. In his opening verses, James encourages readers to “count it all joy” as we come face to face with trials and suffering. The word “count” (NIV says “consider”) has at its root the idea of being first, meaning when you face trials, before you focus on the trial, think about what it means. He doesn’t say, “Consider your trials joy.” He says, “Count it all joy….when…” James is commending the conscious embrace of a uniquely Christian understanding of every trial: that all things can grow us and glorify God.

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