Strength In The Struggle
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - James 1:2-3
Nobody wakes up and asks God for more problems. Yet James tells us to consider our trials pure joy. Either James had lost his mind, or he understood something about difficulties that most of us miss.
James isn't suggesting we become masochists who enjoy pain for its own sake. He's revealing a spiritual truth that changes everything: our trials aren't just random hardships we have to endure—they're the very tools God uses to develop our character and strengthen our faith. When we understand this, we can have joy not because of our circumstances, but because of what God is doing through them.
Think about physical exercise. No one enjoys the burn in their muscles during a workout, but they endure it because they know it's making them stronger. The resistance isn't the enemy of strength—it's the producer of strength. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. The resistance we face in life isn't trying to destroy us; it's developing us.
Every trial you face is an opportunity for your faith to grow. Every challenge is a chance for you to discover that God's strength is sufficient. Every difficulty is a classroom where you learn lessons that can't be taught any other way. This doesn't mean we should seek out trouble, but when trouble finds us, we can face it with confidence knowing that God is using it for our good.
If you're facing a trial right now, ask God to show you what He wants to teach you through it. Instead of just praying for the trial to end, pray for the strength to endure and the wisdom to learn. Trust that He is using this difficulty to make you stronger.
Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I don't always understand why difficult things happen, but I trust that You are working all things together for my good. Help me to see my trials as opportunities to grow, not just obstacles to overcome. Give me the strength to persevere and the wisdom to learn what You want to teach me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Nobody wakes up and asks God for more problems. Yet James tells us to consider our trials pure joy. Either James had lost his mind, or he understood something about difficulties that most of us miss.
James isn't suggesting we become masochists who enjoy pain for its own sake. He's revealing a spiritual truth that changes everything: our trials aren't just random hardships we have to endure—they're the very tools God uses to develop our character and strengthen our faith. When we understand this, we can have joy not because of our circumstances, but because of what God is doing through them.
Think about physical exercise. No one enjoys the burn in their muscles during a workout, but they endure it because they know it's making them stronger. The resistance isn't the enemy of strength—it's the producer of strength. The same principle applies to our spiritual lives. The resistance we face in life isn't trying to destroy us; it's developing us.
Every trial you face is an opportunity for your faith to grow. Every challenge is a chance for you to discover that God's strength is sufficient. Every difficulty is a classroom where you learn lessons that can't be taught any other way. This doesn't mean we should seek out trouble, but when trouble finds us, we can face it with confidence knowing that God is using it for our good.
If you're facing a trial right now, ask God to show you what He wants to teach you through it. Instead of just praying for the trial to end, pray for the strength to endure and the wisdom to learn. Trust that He is using this difficulty to make you stronger.
Prayer:
Lord, I confess that I don't always understand why difficult things happen, but I trust that You are working all things together for my good. Help me to see my trials as opportunities to grow, not just obstacles to overcome. Give me the strength to persevere and the wisdom to learn what You want to teach me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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16 Comments
Thank you Pastor Ed. I’ve heard this question a few times and have tried asking. I usually find that I forget to listen after I ask Him. Also this helps because many times even when I’m asking what I am supposed to be learning what I am really asking is for it to stop. But a lot of times it doesn’t stop right then like I want. It does develop me I suppose. I paid the price to be here and forget to utilize what I have been given. I am grateful for this relationship with God. I’m just so used to doing things on my own. I’ve been gone working out of town for quite awhile now and He has again carried me through. This has been the catalyst in bringing me closer relationships with my loved ones, more competency in my field, a new support system, and after all that He even gave me what I was praying for to begin with. Saying He is good is the understatement of the century. He is everything. Praise the Lord with my off tune off beat wrong words saying voice. I am filled with love.
Cj ... always love reading your testimonies of how God is there for you and what He is showing you. You probably don't have any idea how many people YOU minister to just making your comments. Your transparency is refreshing. Keep on walking one step at a time as the Spirit leads you and in your comments, let us know how we can pray for you - specifically. For those who do respond to the Devo in Comments, always come back to see if anyone replied with a word of encouragement. You won't be notified so you just come back to look. May our LORD bless you richly, Cj. Keep on keeping on.
Amen and Amen! I memorized these verses many many years ago, as I was clinging to God to survive the trial. Even though I didn’t understand it, I clung to it. I trusted it. Now, looking back, I see it. I see the joy after coming through the trial. I can see where God has worked in my life through those very trials that I thought were destroying me. All praise to our Heavenly Father, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the precious Holy Spirit who lives within each and every believer. ?✝️???
Cj ... always love reading your testimonies of how God is there for you and what He is showing you. You probably don't have any idea how many people YOU minister to just making your comments. Your transparency is refreshing. Keep on walking one step at a time as the Spirit leads you and in your comments, let us know how we can pray for you - specifically. For those who do respond to the Devo in Comments, always come back to see if anyone replied with a word of encouragement. You won't be notified so you just come back to look. May our LORD bless you richly, Cj. Keep on keeping on.
Wow, the very scripture I was reading and meditating on before I jumped to the devo! Love this breakdown, def needed. #OneSpiritOneAccord
I am facing a huge trial right now. Please pray I can see what He needs me to see, what he sees in it. It hurts so bad and I keep crying and can’t afford to break down at work over it.
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
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Amen!?✝️???
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
I hope this helps:
nPsalm 34:17–18 (ESV)
n"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Amen!?✝️???
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
LORD, please help Lacy. Give her the strength and the wisdom she needs today. Thank you, God for Your unfailing love. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Amen!?✝️???
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
I hope this helps:
nPsalm 34:17–18 (ESV)
n"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Amen!?✝️???
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Lacy - I can sense the amount of pain you are in and I'm praying for you. If you need a sister to walk with you through this, please reach out to me. I'm a CBC Women's Community Group leader and my PAIN TO PURPOSE Group is full right now but I would be happy to walk with you through this very difficult time. You can find me on FB https://www.facebook.com/linda.hicks.3348/ and connect with me there. LORD I pray Your Holy Spirit would FILL Lacy's broken heart with YOUR love and that she would KNOW You have her back, You are not caught off-guard, if she will put all her trust in You, she will find healing in her brokenness. In JESUS' Name, I (we) pray. Amen.
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Amen!?✝️???
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
I hope this helps:
nPsalm 34:17–18 (ESV)
n"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Amen!?✝️???
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
LORD, please help Lacy. Give her the strength and the wisdom she needs today. Thank you, God for Your unfailing love. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Amen!?✝️???
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
I hope this helps:
nPsalm 34:17–18 (ESV)
n"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Amen!?✝️???
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
Dear Jesus, I pray for Lacy’s heart to be purged of fear and replaced with the calm confidence that You are in charge. May she focus on finding Your purpose in the storm. May she know that she knows that she is in your hand. I pray that out of the heartbreak that she is experiencing that you reward her faithfulness with the most beautiful love her heart longs for. Direct her steps Lord. In Jesus Name! We’re rooting for you Lacy!
Amen!
Amen! ✝️???
Amen!
This is just what I needed! My mom had a stroke on Saturday. We keep asking God to take her home. My dad and I keep wondering why He hasn’t taken her sooner. But we have met so many nice people at the hospital and had opportunities to share Christ. Many of the nurses have been young women who know the Lord but are still on the beginning of their journey. Hopefully our experience will encourage them. They have been very supportive and appreciative of how we are as a family. It’s just been a very good experience. Now we start the hospice journey. This devotional gives me the reminder that God is doing something good and not to rush his plan.
Amen ?✝️❤️
Sandy, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom and can totally relate to your desires and questions. Sounds like you are learning what I did when I experienced it, God has His ways and His timing is perfect, not ours. Let your sisters in Christ know you need their support through this - their prayers - because it is not easy what you're going through. Praying for the Holy Spirit to BE your strength, for you to see things from an eternal perspective, and your calm spirit and strength will comfort your mom.
Amen ?✝️❤️
Amen