Some random thoughts on James

While driving to work on Monday, I was mentally shuffling through some info. I spoke about on Sunday. For those who are unaware I preached on James 2:14-26. I started to think about Abraham and the faith he displayed while carting Isaac up Mount Moriah to be sacrificed. And it struck me. Would we have that type of faith in that situation? At first, I would be inclined to say no, but after a little bit of mental juggling I've come to the conclusion that everybody would have that faith. My reason for this line of thinking is: Abraham's faith was slowly refined. First, God said he would give him a son. Then, many years later Abraham was told to sacrifice Isaac. He may thought this to be crazy, but his faith had matured so much he knew to trust God.(Probably similar in the way Noah trusted God, when he was told to build an Ark).
On a personal level, how does this apply? We may know people(or it could be ourselves) who are thinking God has great plans for us, but it is our failure to have faith in the little things that doesn't allow us to accomplish great things. If we can't trust God to help us when silly mundane trials arise, why should God trust us to do the Christ-honoring thing when great trials arise.
If you can't control your anger when you spill grape juice on the carpet, how are you going to control your anger someone slanders you in front of non-Christian friends?
If you don't have patience to deal with traffic, how are you going to have patience with your own children?
Some of these examples may seem far reaching, but the point I'm trying to drive home is if you ask for patience, or wisdom, or mercy, or kindness, expect something to come up to determine whether you look to Jesus to get you through the trial. Or whether you fall into the seductions of Satan!