“What Is a Flourishing Life?” (James 1:2–12)

Tree and Woodpeckers
Have you ever asked, “Why did God make woodpeckers?”

The other day, while taking a nature walk, I noticed several trees damaged by woodpeckers. Some even looked as if they were dying. Holes everywhere. Bark torn apart. And I wondered, “Lord, why did you make woodpeckers? Why allow them to damage trees like this?”

Later, I did some research, and I was surprised by what I discovered. Woodpeckers are not simply destroyers of trees. In many ways, they are actually helpers of the forest.

You see, woodpeckers often peck at trees because harmful insects are hiding underneath the bark. Beetles, ants, larvae, and parasites slowly eat away at the inside of the tree. From the outside, the tree may still look healthy, but inside, decay has already begun. And the woodpecker exposes the hidden problem.

Not only that, the holes woodpeckers create later become homes for other creatures — bluebirds, owls, squirrels, and many others. What first looked like damage actually becomes a place of life and shelter for others.

Consider, Know, Let
There are seasons when God allows trials, hardships, disappointments, or painful interruptions in our lives. In the moment, it can feel like pecking. Uncomfortable. Disruptive. Painful. And we ask, “Lord, why is this happening?”

But sometimes God uses trials the way woodpeckers work on trees. God exposes what is hidden deep underneath — pride, self-reliance, bitterness, shallow faith, unhealthy attachments. Things we may never notice when life is going well. Trials reveal. Trials refine. Trials strengthen.

That is why James writes to believers facing suffering:

“My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. So let it grow…so that you may be mature, complete, and lacking in nothing.” (1:2-4)

James is not saying trials are pleasant. He is saying trials have purpose. God can use even painful experiences to produce perseverance, maturity, deeper faith, and spiritual flourishing.

Tree and Chaff

So how do we become mature? Through trials. In fact, we may even say that trials are the pathway to maturity. In Psalm 1, we see two ways of life — the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. The wicked are described as “chaff.” On the outside, chaff looks free. It goes wherever the wind blows. It follows no direction but its own. But in reality, it is rootless, swayed and tossed by the waves of the world.

But the righteous are described as a “tree” planted by streams of water. Notice – the tree does not plant itself. It is being planted by the gardener. It stays rooted. It endures seasons. It withstands storms. Sometimes it is pecked by woodpeckers. But in time, it bears fruit. Trials are not pleasant, but they are necessary for spiritual growth.

One of my mentors, John Stott, once said:

“Be ready to accept humiliations. They can hurt terribly, but they help you to be humble.” He continues: “All these can be so many chances to be a little nearer to our humble and crucified Lord.”[1]

Maturity and Wisdom
Through trials and humiliations, we become mature. In James’ letter, the path to maturity and the path to wisdom are really the same path. James describes maturity this way: being complete and whole, lacking in nothing in our relationship with God.

Then he says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God.” So, what is wisdom? Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Biblical wisdom is not simply knowledge. Wisdom is knowing who God is and learning to depend on Him. The more mature we become, the less self-reliant we are. The wiser we become, the more we learn to depend on God.

Let me share an example. In the film Driving Miss Daisy, Miss Daisy is a stubborn elderly widow who insists she does not need anyone’s help. After a car accident, her son hires a driver named Hoke. At first, she resists him strongly. She says, “I don’t need you, I don’t want you, I don’t like you!” But over the years, their relationship deepens into friendship. Toward the end of the film, Miss Daisy is elderly and weak. Sitting in a nursing home, she struggles even to lift a fork. Hoke gently cuts her pie and feeds her. At the beginning, she refused dependence. At the end, she accepted it. And in many ways, that is the journey of the Christian life. The way to maturity, the way to wisdom, is to learn dependence on God.

For me, I am currently learning to depend on God through difficult relationships and seasons of uncertainty. There are two people I dearly love. But they do not get along with each other, and at times I feel caught in the middle. I do not know what to do. I do not see easy answers. I do not see any clear hope ahead. It brings ongoing pain and deep sorrow to my heart. But because of that pain, I find myself running to God early in the morning to pray.

I am also learning to depend on God through this new appointment and transition. When I received the call, I was shocked. So many emotions flooded my heart. And even now, I still carry questions: “What if I am not the right fit?” “What if I fail?” “What if the remaining churches struggle?” Those burdens drive me to my knees every day. Yes, we all pray. But when deep trials come, we realize that quick mealtime prayers are not enough. In seasons of heartache and uncertainty, we begin to seek God more fervently. We set aside time. We humble ourselves. We cry out to God more honestly. Through trials, we learn to depend on God. And that is the path to maturity and wisdom.

Tried and True
One of the most beloved hymns of the church, 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus, was born through trials.[2]

One summer day, Louisa M. R. Stead, her husband George, and their young daughter Lily were enjoying a picnic by the ocean at Long Island Sound. Then suddenly, they heard cries for help. A young boy was struggling in the water. Without hesitation, George rushed into the waves to save him. But tragically, both the boy and George drowned, while Louisa and little Lily watched helplessly from the shore. In a single moment, Louisa lost her husband. Lily lost her father. Their world was shattered.

But in the middle of tremendous grief and trial, Louisa learned to depend on God in a deeper way. Out of that painful season came these words:

“‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

Just to take Him at His word…”

And later:

“I’m so glad I learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend
And I know that He is with me,
Will be with me to the end.”

That hymn was not written from a comfortable life. It was written from a “tried and true” faith. James 1:12 says: “Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love him as their reward.” (CEB) Trials, when received faithfully, teach us dependence on God. They deepen our faith. They mature us. Just as woodpeckers help trees become healthy, God can even use trials for our flourishing.

The Flourishing Life
Psalm 92 describes the flourishing life this way: “In old age they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap, showing that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” (vv. 14-15, NRSV)

What a beautiful picture. The road to a flourishing life is not easy. It is long and hard. It’s “a long obedience in the same direction.” But God is with us. God is for us. Our God is faithful and able. So whatever trials come our way, let us embrace them with faith, even with joy. Let us fully depend on God – one trial at a time. And in His time, He will make us mature and complete, and we will flourish for His glory. Amen.

----------
[1] John Stott, The Radical Disciple (p. 74). InterVarsity Press. Kindle Edition.
[2] Don Campman, “The Story Behind: Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” https://hymncharts.com/2023/05/29/the-story-behind-tis-so-sweet-to-trust-in-jesus/