Everyday Trials
Summarized Sermon from John Ortberg
Life is full of challenges. Some look at such everyday trials pessimistically. To them, life is just a series of pain and suffering. But James had a different perspective (James 1:2-4).
James was Christ’s half-brother. During Christ’s ministry, James thought Jesus was out of His mind (John 7:5, Mark 3:21). Later, James became Christ’s follower. After Christ’s resurrection, He specifically appeared to James (1 Corinthians 15:7).
During the time of James, his audience buried half of their children, and many of them were slaves. Many of our problems today seem trivial by comparison.
James taught us not to be alarmed by unexpected and painful trials in life. Instead, we should learn to rejoice in them (James 1:2; and 1 Peter 4:12-13). When bad things happen to us, good things can happen in us.
Whether small or big, evaluate these trials through the lens of faith. Learn to look through them and see God at work in them.
Trials may help us see our weaknesses and correct our mistakes. The process can confirm God caring for us and help us experience His faithfulness and love.
Beware that many of these challenges can take a long time to resolve. Be patient. Ask God to show you the direction you should go and give you the strength to get there. Learn to endure and persist in pursuing what is good, right, noble, and true.
Trials can produce perseverance, which will help us develop a mature character and the ability to live with poise and confidence, regardless of our circumstances (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5). Trials can give us hope for the future glory (Romans 8:18).
Look at Christ. He went through unfair suffering and torture, but He persevered till death. Then, He experienced the joyful and glorious resurrection.
So, when we face trials, persevere and do not quit. Don’t let them get the last word. Have faith in God. Learn from the process, and experience God’s presence, comfort, and care. Learn to rejoice in the midst of trials, for resurrection will come, and we will experience the glory.
Summarized from a John Ortberg’s sermon
https://menlo.church/series/the-way#/modal/message/5614/mlo
James was Christ’s half-brother. During Christ’s ministry, James thought Jesus was out of His mind (John 7:5, Mark 3:21). Later, James became Christ’s follower. After Christ’s resurrection, He specifically appeared to James (1 Corinthians 15:7).
During the time of James, his audience buried half of their children, and many of them were slaves. Many of our problems today seem trivial by comparison.
James taught us not to be alarmed by unexpected and painful trials in life. Instead, we should learn to rejoice in them (James 1:2; and 1 Peter 4:12-13). When bad things happen to us, good things can happen in us.
Whether small or big, evaluate these trials through the lens of faith. Learn to look through them and see God at work in them.
Trials may help us see our weaknesses and correct our mistakes. The process can confirm God caring for us and help us experience His faithfulness and love.
Beware that many of these challenges can take a long time to resolve. Be patient. Ask God to show you the direction you should go and give you the strength to get there. Learn to endure and persist in pursuing what is good, right, noble, and true.
Trials can produce perseverance, which will help us develop a mature character and the ability to live with poise and confidence, regardless of our circumstances (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-5). Trials can give us hope for the future glory (Romans 8:18).
Look at Christ. He went through unfair suffering and torture, but He persevered till death. Then, He experienced the joyful and glorious resurrection.
So, when we face trials, persevere and do not quit. Don’t let them get the last word. Have faith in God. Learn from the process, and experience God’s presence, comfort, and care. Learn to rejoice in the midst of trials, for resurrection will come, and we will experience the glory.
Summarized from a John Ortberg’s sermon
https://menlo.church/series/the-way#/modal/message/5614/mlo