A Faith That Works: Living Out Your Faith
Pastor Victoria Sowell
Life has a way of testing us in ways we don’t expect. Some days, the challenges are small—running late, spilling coffee, dealing with a broken car. But other days, the trials are much heavier: a job loss, a diagnosis, a fractured relationship. How does faith hold up when life feels overwhelming?
The book of James offers wisdom for navigating hardships and challenges, not as mere obstacles but as opportunities for growth. Written by James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early church, this letter is a call to action. It’s not just about knowing theology but about living faith in a way that transforms both our lives and the world around us. Click the link above for the full message.
James writes to believers scattered by persecution, facing hardships beyond their control. His message? Faith isn’t just something we believe; it’s something we do. It’s meant to shape how we respond to trials, make decisions, and interact with others.
Joy in Trials (James 1:2-4)
James begins with a counterintuitive challenge: “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.”
This isn’t about pretending trials are enjoyable. It’s about shifting perspective. Hardship isn’t meaningless; it’s a refining process. Just like an athlete trains through resistance, faith strengthens through difficulty. In ancient times, trials were defining moments that either crushed or refined a person. For believers, they produce spiritual endurance, shaping us into who God intends us to be.
When faced with difficulties, do we ask, “Why me?” or do we ask, “God, what are you teaching me through this?” Spiritual maturity recognizes that trials are opportunities for growth. Maturity isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting God enough to stay the course. Contentment doesn’t come from a perfect life but from a faith that sees Jesus as enough.
Wisdom: Ask and Believe (James 1:5-8)
James continues, “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. 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.”
God offers wisdom freely, but there’s a condition: belief. Doubt keeps us unstable, swayed by circumstances. One moment we trust God, the next we question His faithfulness. James challenges us to seek wisdom with confidence, expecting God to answer.
This is echoed in the Gospels when Jesus calms the storm after His disciples panic. Despite witnessing His miracles, they doubted in the moment of crisis. Faith isn’t about ignoring fear but about trusting that God is greater than our circumstances. Will we trust Him enough to receive what He’s ready to give?
Faith in What Lasts (James 1:9-11)
The world measures success by wealth, power, and status. James flips that thinking: “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wildflower.”
The point isn’t that wealth is inherently wrong but that it’s temporary. Money fades. Status shifts. True security isn’t found in what we have but in who we belong to. When our identity is rooted in Christ, we stand firm whether in abundance or lack.
So the question is, where is our security? Are we chasing things that fade, or are we building our lives on what lasts?
Trials vs. Temptation: Know the Difference (James 1:12-15)
James writes, “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.”
Trials and temptations are different. Trials come from outside circumstances; temptations arise from within. Temptation preys on desires, leading to sin. But sin isn’t instantaneous—it starts with unchecked desires that grow until they take over.
James makes it clear: God does not tempt anyone. Temptation is not from Him. Instead, He calls us to rely on Him in trials and resist temptation with His strength.
The Power of God’s Word (James 1:19-27)
James urges, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Hearing truth isn’t enough—living it out is what matters. James uses a striking image: a person who hears but doesn’t act is like someone who looks in a mirror and immediately forgets what they look like. Faith without action is incomplete.
This includes how we treat others. James defines true religion as “looking after orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself from being polluted by the world.” Genuine faith expresses itself in love, service, and holiness.
Living Out a Faith That Works
Faith isn’t passive. It’s not about head knowledge or good intentions. It’s about action. James challenges us to:
Reframe trials as opportunities for growth.
Seek wisdom with confidence, believing God provides.
Find security in Christ, not temporary things.
Resist temptation and recognize its true source.
Live out God’s Word in tangible ways.
How is faith shaping your daily life? Where is God calling you to trust Him more, act in obedience, or step into bold belief? Don’t settle for a passive faith—live a faith that works.
Further Reading
“Spiritual Maturity: Growing in Faith” – Desiring God
“How to Trust God in Difficult Times” – Joyce Meyers Ministry
Other Links
Want to hear more? Check out last week’s message titled, Words of the Wise from Pastor Reed Sowell.
Looking for more resources? Visit View Church Resources for Bible studies and tools to help deepen your faith.