Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

James‬ ‭1‬:‭2-4‬ NLT

Times of testing and trials are the training regimen for Christ’s followers.  

Struggles and suffering allow us to share a common experience with our Savior.  Suffering is never wasted . . . it has significance in God’s Kingdom.  It allows us to acknowledge our weakness and abide in His strength.  Our dependence deepens during our difficulties and forces our faith to the forefront. 

Tumultuous times reveal our true colors.

Bearing our burdens in brokenness is a banner of God’s blessings.  

Our humble thanks is His highest praise.  

Our willingness to worship in our weakness sends ripples of His redemptive righteousness through a reeling world.

Consider these thoughts on triumphing over trials. 

Expect It.  

It’s not “if” we will experience trials, it’s “when”.  Peter’s writings encourage us, “My friends, do not be surprised at the terrible trouble which now comes to test you. Do not think that something strange is happening to you.” (‭1 Pet‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬ NCV)  As we walk with God, we will need to work through challenges.  Fiery trials are tough, but they’re not terminal.  Be ready.

Embrace it.  

Struggles and suffering prepare ordinary people for extraordinary opportunities.  We often run from challenges when God wants us to run to them.  This scripture tells us that through trials and testing our faith “develops perseverance”.  Perseverance is that bull-dog type tenacity that will not be deterred or defeated.  The result is we are “complete, not lacking anything.”  Peter wrote, “But be happy that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings so that you will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory.” (‭1 Pet‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ NCV)  Paul reminded us of Jesus’ words, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” (‭2 Cor ‭12‬:‭9‬ NCV)  Embrace His grace.

Express it.  

Our response is joy.  When suffering strikes, remember that our Savior is sovereign.  He is able to bring good out of and in to everything. (Rom 8:28). He doesn’t want us to hide from our challenges, but to hand them over to Him. (1 Pet 5:7)  The psalmist wrote, “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.” (Ps107:21–22 NIV). Rejoice!

A friend of mine says, “We are like arrows in the hand of the Heavenly Archer.  Every arrow is pulled back before it is released.  When God pulls us back and keeps us just on the string, it’s to send us farther than we ever thought possible, hitting a target that we never thought we could hit.  The glory is not in the arrow . . . but in The Archer.”

It’s easier to talk about the heartbreaking agony . . . I need to keep my eyes are on the Heavenly Archer.

Trouble will come.

Expect it.  Embrace it.  Express it.