Strength Through Struggles
Transforming Obstacles into Stepping Stones for Victory
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2–4.
Believers, it is a privilege to encounter trials, temptations, and the like. These are not mere problems but opportunities to prove our faith. We will develop endurance, resilience, and patience, leading us to full maturity in Christ. He is working in us, shaping us for His divine purpose.
As believers, we learn to wait on God. We wait for the rain, then for the harvest, and we wait for Jesus to return. The Book of James illustrates all these waiting patterns.
Through our trials, we learn endurance and patience. That means we learn to bear up under tremendous pressure. We live our Christian lives one day at a time. Life comes, and it can be challenging, but we grow in our trust in our Savior.
Our trials, the testing of our faith, work patience. Patience takes us to maturity with all we need for the Christian life. Our trials test us. Testing is what the word “temptations” means here. It means trials.
God never tempts us, but He allows testing. God’s tests are to cause growth, strength, victory, and the ability to overcome.
Through these tests, we learn to be patient and endure. Our obstacles are not roadblocks but stepping stones to our growth and maturity. Each trial we face is an opportunity to become stronger and more resilient.
You believe this truth when you go to the gym or workout. You state, “No pain, no strain, no gain!” Stand up when you are tested. Grow stronger.
If you get out of the trial, you will lose the lesson. Don’t ask God to take it away; ask God to grow you through it. That is why you are rejoicing. You are growing. You are getting stronger every day.
There is more to life than “name it, claim it.” There are no cheap victories. You must bear the cross to wear the crown.
We reap if we don’t faint. You can’t control other people or your circumstances but can control yourself and learn to endure. Be content. Wait on God.
There are trials, and there always will be. Misunderstandings, rejections, cancelations, and loneliness will come your way, but as a believer, you must learn to rejoice in it all because God is using it to grow you.
You will not face the same things as others, but your trials will be giants for you. Stand in faith and grow.
Remember
We all face temptations, trials, and tribulations.
What you are going through isn’t unique.
Your temptation is never too strong.
You can overcome.
There is a way forward to victory.
Remember, as believers, our joy is not in our circumstances but in the Lord. Rejoice in His faithfulness, His love, and His promise of victory. As believers, we learn Jesus is all that we have and all that we need. The more troubles come, the more they strip away everything we lean on. Finally, we arrive at a point where we have nothing but Jesus, exactly where we need to be.
Remember, testing makes us fit for the next task God has for us. It removes disqualifying blemishes or sins and allows us to live victorious lives.
We welcome suffering and problems. We know it makes us strong and takes us on to maturity. It builds character, hope, and love in us. It causes us to love Jesus more and more every day.
Our tests help us measure the value of things in our lives.
