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Three Essential Questions
After watching the message take some time reflect on the following three questions.

• What did you hear?
• What do you think?
• What will you do?

ACTION PLAN:If you are not in a small group, send an email toPastorRick@saddleback.comand he will get you connected to an online group.

"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations. Greetings!"James 1:1

"Whenall kinds of trials crowd into your lives, don't
resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize they come to test your faith, and to produce in you the quality of endurance.  But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will become a person of mature character and integrity with no weak spots." James 1:2-6 (Phillips)

4 FACTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT DIFFICULTIES

• Problems are inevitable
• • "WHEN all kinds of trials crowd into your lives…" James 1:2a

• Problems are variable
• • "When ALL KINDS of trials crowd into your lives…"James 1:2b

• Problems are unpredictable
• • "When all kinds of trials CROWD INTO your lives … as INTRUDERS…" James 1:2c

• Problems are purposeful
• • "Realize that they come…to produce in you…" James 1:2d

ACTION PLAN:Your success in handling problems is determined by your understanding and attitude toward them! In your quiet time this week, talk with God about the problems you are facing. Ask him what type of attitude He wants you to have towards them.

3 PURPOSES OF DIFFICULTIESJames 1:3-4

• Problems test my faith
• • • "Realize they come to test your faith …"  James 1:3a (Ph)

• Problems develop my endurance
• • • "…and to produce in you the quality of endurance." James 1:3b (Ph)

• Problems mature my character
• • • "But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed and you will become a person of mature character and integrity with no weak spots!" James 1:4 (Ph)

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO DIFFICULTIES?

• Rejoice!
• • We don't rejoice FOR the problem, but IN the problem. We know God can bring good out of bad!
  • "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials…" James 1:1 (NIV)

• Request – ask for wisdom!
• • "If, in the process, any of you doesn't know how to meet any particular problem, you only have to ask God-who gives generously to all men without making them feel guilty – and you may be sure that the necessary wisdom will be given to you." James 1:7 (PH)

• Relax
• • "But you must ask in sincere faith, without secret doubts." James 1:8 (Ph)

• Remember God's promise
• • "Blessed is the PERSON who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 (NIV)

ACTION PLAN:Take the following steps this week.

• Encourage others to watch this message.
• Set up a virtual Small Group online to discuss this.
• If you're not yet in a Small Group, email me atPastorRick@saddleback.comand I'll get you connected!
• If you're not getting the DAILY Saddleback@Home Newsletter during the crisis email me!PastorRick@saddleback.com

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