Overcoming trials part of every journey

Difficulties and trials come into each of our lives. The troubles of life are God’s tools to refine our character and to produce in us Christian maturity. The trials of life are tools God uses to make us what He wants us to be. God tells us in James chapter 1 how to respond properly to difficulties in life. James, the half brother of the Lord Jesus, provides four godly responses to tough times.

The first godly response is to develop the right attitude. James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various trials for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness (verses 3-4).” It is tough to have the right attitude! Denial, complaining, anger and bitterness are common responses to difficult circumstances. Instead, understand that God is behind every trial you face. God intends the trial to produce spiritual good in your life. Persevering even in tough times is evidence of real Christianity. Anyone can serve God in the good times. Serving Jesus in the bad times is evidence of true faith.

Growing up in the 1970’s rock tumblers were very popular. A rock tumbler was a small device with a motor that turned over and over. We put rocks inside of them with water and a gritty substance. The rocks tumbled against the grit for weeks and even for months. When we took the rocks out we had beautiful, smooth rocks. This is the way trials work in our lives!

The second godly response is to use the available resources (verses 5-8). “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him (verse 5).” God provides wisdom. God provides prayer. God provides grace. Use the resources God provides. Ask God for help. He will provide the wisdom you need. He will provide the supernatural strength to endure.

The third godly response is never focus on your circumstances (verses 9-11). First century Judaism under the Pharisees embraced something called retribution theology. Retribution theology teaches that God immediately rewards obedience with blessing and disobedience with hardship and cursing. Job’s friends believed in retribution theology. Job said, “I don’t know why this is happening. I serve God faithfully. There is no known sin in my life.” How did his friends respond? They said, “Job, there must be sin in your life. For God to be treating you this way there must be sin in your life that is punishing.” No. God will eventually bless but not always in this life. God may have you in the rock tumbler of life to hone your Christian character and to produce maturity in you. Do not focus on your present circumstances.

The fourth godly response is to live with an eternal perspective (verse 12). “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him” (verse 12). James says, “This person is to be envied. This person is blessed. This person is fortunate.” Endurance in trials demonstrates genuine faith. The most important thing is faith in the Lord Jesus. Tough times prove your faith to be real. God will reward you with the crown of life. Jesus died for you. He loves you. He offered a perfect sacrifice for our sins. The crown of life is given to those who trust in him. Don’t live for stuff. Live for the Lord Jesus. Maintain an eternal perspective.

A young pastor had to preach his first sermon. He knew a good sermon had three points and a poem at the end. His sermon title was, “Problems.” His first point, “I’ve got them.” His second point, “You have them.” His third point, “We all have them.” His poem at the end, “Adam had them.” Trials and difficulties in life are inevitable. We all face them! How should we respond? First, develop the right attitude. Trials are designed by God for our good to spiritual maturity. Second, use the available resources- wisdom, prayer and grace. Third, never focus on your present circumstances. Fourth, live with an eternal perspective.

Ethan Hansen is the pastor of Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.