God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 

James 1:12 NLT

This is a bit like the Sermon in the Mount, calling us "blessed when".

There is more context (vv13-16) & the idea that temptations come from our own heart desires (v14) can be quite challenging.

Let's just consider this idea of how we live with trials and temptations.

He's writing to communities scattered all over the place. He's not writing to "me" alone,  but to "us", together. We're not supposed to face the tough things alone. 

Met someone in church on Sunday who was looking for a builder. I pointed one out and told him we have an electrician too, and this guy's a lawyer if you need one.

I pointed him to community. 

If he had said he just got diagnosed with cancer would I have been able to say "you can talk to this person, they've been through that, that person is a counsellor if you need one, a prayer support person if you would like that."

Community. 

We're in this together.

Trials and temptations arrive. 

Large and small. 

Physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, financial, they are in all shapes and sizes.

What we do know is that they will arrive.

To all of us. 

Who do I need to lean into this week?

Who do I need to check in on?

We're in this together.

#James 

#inthistogether