Do You Know Where You Are Going?

God has a goal toward which he is leading His people: "perfect and entire wanting nothing." This is essentially synonomuos with "being conformed to the image of His Son," and having "Christ formed in you"
(Galatians 4:19). This is the goal. The pathway to that goal is called various testings. There is little about this fact that is usual. James claims no secret that he has discovered for dealing with trials, but rather appeals to a truth already known--"knowing that the trial of your faith works patience--staying power."

J.A. Motyer has written a very helpful commentary on James, published by IVP.