Turning Trials Into Triumphs

James 1:2-12

Most people experience some kind of trials during their life. In fact, someone once said, “When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.” That is a great thought and encouragement! A person can  take some of the difficult times and let be transformed into triumphs and victories. Warren Wiersbe says, “Throughout the Bible are people who turned defeat into victory and trial into triumph. Instead of being victims, they became victors.”

Consider it great joy when you experience trials

We are reminded in James that believers can experience this same kind of victory. The book of James even encourages us to be joyful during trials. James 1:2 says, “Consider it great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials.” For most of us, we sometimes have difficulty being joyful during a trial. However, James strongly encourages us to do so.  Further, James  gives us an explanation why we should consider our trials great joy. The reason he gives is, “knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:3-4). One could not imagine that through trials and hardships God is working through us to help us to maturity. That itself is an encouragement.

Our trials help us grow spiritually

Warren Wiersbe reminds us of four things that will help us during these times. He says, “If we are going to turn trials into triumphs, we must obey four imperatives: count (James 1:2), know (James 1:3), let (James 1:4, 9-11), and ask (James 1:5-8). Or, to put it another way, there are four essentials for victory in trials: a joyful attitude, and understanding mind, a surrendered will, and a heart that wants to believe” (Wiersbe).

Questions

What is God’s goal for us as Christians?

Why can believers have joy in the midst of trials?

When faced with a trial, what should you pray and how should you pray?

In James 1:12, what is the connection between trials and loving God?