None of us like trials. Unfortunately, difficulties and hardships are part of everyday life. 
The normal response to trials is anger, disbelief, grief, and sadness. It just seems like everything stops. We can’t seem to move or breathe. We become consumed with the difficulty and it may even lead to a sense of loneliness and depression. And while all the above are natural reactions; we should not live there. Yes, trials hurt and cause pain. But, we need to rise above it.
The Apostle James wrote his letter to the 12 tribes of the dispersion. His audience knew a thing or two about hardships and pain. So, in the opening of his letter he wrote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James reminds us that trials have a purpose. We might not see it at the time, but trials will make us stronger and help grow us to maturity. When trials come into our lives, we should immediately say, “God is doing something here.” I don’t like it, but I find joy in the fact that He is at work. We use to have a saying in the Army – “No pain, no gain.” God is creating a masterpiece in you. God is stretching and expanding your faith. He wants you to learn to trust Him! The more we trust Him, the more we grow. Then, as you go through the trials of life, you slowly reach maturity and can stand against any storm. We just need to change our perspective…
In Christ,
Pastor Mike
