Streets Need Faith – Bible Study (James Series)James 1:2–4 | Counting It All Joy James writes to persecuted believers who lost homes, family, and stability. Instead of complaining, he calls them to rejoice in trials not because pain is good, but because God uses trials to mature our faith. Key Truths - James calls himself a bondservant (doulos) not Jesus’ brother showing humility and surrendered identity. - Joy (chara) is not fake happiness; it’s deep spiritual confidence that God is working. - Trials are refining fire, not punishment. They produce steadfastness (hypomonē) endurance that doesn’t quit. - God uses pressure to make us complete, lacking nothing. Modern Trials Look Like Addiction recovery, broken families, financial pressure, loneliness, mental battles, mockery for faith. Just like prison and rock-bottom seasons God doesn’t waste pain. He forges unshakable faith. Cross-References Romans 5:3–4 | 1 Peter 1:6–7 | 2 Corinthians 12:9 | John 16:33 | Hebrews 12:2 Big Takeaway Joy in trials doesn’t deny pain. It trusts God’s purpose. Your testimony through suffering may be someone else’s breakthrough. Reflection - What trial is God using to refine you right now? - What fears or doubts might He be burning away? - Who can you encourage with your story this week? Weekly Challenge - Personal: Journal daily during a trial what you felt, prayed, and learned. - Evangelistic: Share James 1:2–4 with one struggling person this week. God doesn’t break His people. He builds them.