“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.” - James 1:1 “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?” - Matthew 13:55 “And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” - Acts 8:1 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” - James 1:2 ‘Trial’ is a promise of the Bible. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” - Matthew 5:11-12 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” - James 1:3 “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 1:6-7 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” - James 1:12 “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” - James 1:4 Every trial is an opportunity to be made more like Jesus. “Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”” - Mark 3:20-21 “For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” - John 7:5 “You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit. Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.” - Psalm 30:3-4 “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” - Romans 12:15 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 In the midst of suffering, rejoice in salvation. In the midst of suffering, connect with other believers. In the midst of suffering, go to Jesus.