Pressure Point Week 1: Tuesday

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2

I was at the gym not long ago when my least favorite exercise was included in the day's workout. I set out to do the exercise, fully expecting to struggle. I was surprised when the exercise came much more easily than it had in the past. I realized that I was getting stronger. That is the only explanation for why this previously dreaded exercise was not-so-dreaded. That's what happens when we keep exercising, even when it is hard. We get stronger. We may not want to admit it, but this truth extends far beyond exercising. Hard times and trials always give us opportunities to grow when we lean into them.

James teaches us that trials produce growth in James 1. In this chapter, he writes, "When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy" (verse 2). This instruction is the opposite of what we usually think about our trials and struggles. My instinct is to consider trials and suffering opportunities for sadness. What did James know about trials that gave him a different perspective? James writes that God uses our trials to help us grow. He continued teaching in James 1, "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (verse 3). James understood that our trials help us grow. They make us stronger than ever before. They help us move from being young, immature Christ followers to strong and mature followers of Jesus.

My friend, this is true about your life. Whatever hard times you face, you can be confident that God will use this trial and hardship to help you grow into the person you have always wanted to be. God will use your trials to strengthen you. If we are honest, we are all looking to be stronger people so that whatever we face in life, our faith in God holds us.

Moving toward action

Spend a few minutes thinking about some of the hard times and trials you faced in the past. Then journal, answering the following questions. How did they help you grow? What trial are you facing right now? How might God be using this opportunity to help you grow? End your time praying. Ask God to help you find joy even in the middle of your trial.

Going Deeper

James 1:1-4