James verse one bring out a very important issue that must be addressed before continuing on into the Book.  James is writing to the 12 tribes which are scattered abroad.  This refers to not only ancient Israel, but also, and more importantly, the New Testament Church who were adopted in Romans 8:15.

The testings are for strengthening, and making the New Testament Believers far more sturdy in Christ.  Keep this in mind as we go one in this study of the first chapter. 

In verses 2-5, we find why we are tested.  The tests are here to strangthen and bring forth patience.  This is a good reason to never pray for faith or patience....    because we will always be hit with trials. 

We can see the steps of this process.  First comes the trial.  When we start into this trial we must remain joyful in it because we understand that it's a learning experience and for making us stronger in Him and our faith.  It is indeed possible to stand firm during a trial AND remain joyful. 

When we come into trials were we can know that it's giving us more patience and ability to withstand  future troubles. 

When patience becomes permanent, we become complete (perfect and entire).  When we are perfect and entire, we will be wanting for nothing else in our spiritual lives.  We will be complete in spirit. 

What does it take to allow these steps to take effect?  Wisdom....  v5 tells us that if we come up short in wisdom, let him ask God.  Asking in faith.  Faith is the act of reaching out and grasping something which does not exist, and holding onto it until it becomes reality (Hebrews 11:1).

So we are to ask, knowing that we know (having faith), that He will give us that wisdom, for God gives liberally to everyone who asks and keeps back nothing (upbraideth not).  If we ask for it, we will have it. 

What wisdom are we to be asking for?  The wisdom to understand and put into our live that this promise of v2-4 can and will come to pass in our lives and we WILL be victorious "through" it all. 

We find in v6 that we are to "ask in faith, nothing waivering....."  This means that there is absolutely no doubt or spiritual stumbling.  "He that waivereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."  This is the person who is wishy washy and uncertain.  One who believe, acts, or does one thing now and something else later.  Sometimes they are this way and the next time they are that way. 

This is unpleasing to God and exhibits no faith.  We can't please God without absolute faith in Him and His Word (Hebrews 11:6). 

In v7,8 we're taught that if one wavers and doubts, showing no faith, then he can't expect ANYTHING from God.  We find that one who can't settle on one thing, absolute truth, has no real foundation in any part of his life. 

If we look in The Revelation of Jesus Christ 3:15-16 we will find the same thing refered to.  One who is in the middle and is neither serious about God now about the world.  It is one who is in the world and appearing like an Christian or the person who is a Christian and wanting to do some worldly sins.

These are the people to whom Paul was talking when he instructed us to "Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22). 

If we want to stand firmly on the Word of God, then we must ensure that we don't exhibit any form of unrighteousness.  Even if it's actually ok for us to do, if it looks bad, whether in the eyes of Believers of sinners, then we are not to do it...  because it looks like or is considered sin, so it has a definite APPEARANCE of evil....