Joy in the Journey - Embracing Perseverance and Patience

Scripture: James 1:2-4

James 1:2–4 CSB

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

Title: “Joy in the Journey: Embracing Perseverance and Patience”

Introduction

• Greeting and Opening Prayer

• Introduction to the Theme

• Welcome everyone and share excitement about the journey the church has been on.

• Share the current situation: meeting in a temporary space and the hope for a permanent home.

• Emphasize the need for patience and perseverance, which will be the focus of today’s message.

J.O.Y. (Joyful Optimistic Yearning)

J - Joy in Trials

James 1:2 CSB

Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials,

• Principle: Embrace trials with joy.

• Explanation: The Greek word for “joy” here is “chara” (χαρά), which means a deep-seated gladness. It’s not about happiness over hardship but finding joy in the growth process.

• Application: Encourage the congregation to view their current situation as an opportunity for growth. Share a humorous anecdote about finding joy in unexpected places.

• Illustration: Share about Paul and Silas finding joy in a difficult situation (Acts 16:25).

Sermon Illustration: Joy in the Jailhouse

Introduction

• Context: Paul and Silas in Philippi, spreading the gospel.

• Challenge: They are thrown into a dark, dirty prison after being beaten.

Main Points

1. Unexpected Response

• Situation: Cold, dark prison, feet in stocks.

• Typical Reaction: Complaining or feeling hopeless.

• Paul and Silas: Start singing hymns and praying loudly.

2. Unexpected Results

• Earthquake: Doors open, chains fall off.

• Prisoners’ Reaction: Amazed and likely confused.

• Jailer’s Reaction: Ready to end his life, fearing escapees.

3. Faith and Joy Lead to Salvation

• Paul’s Shout: “Don’t harm yourself! We’re all here!”

• Jailer’s Question: “What must I do to be saved?”

• Outcome: Jailer’s family is baptized that night.

Application

• Lesson: Joy and faith in trials can lead to powerful witness and miraculous outcomes.

• Encouragement: Find joy in tough situations; it can transform circumstances and impact others.

Conclusion

• Challenge: When facing difficulties, choose joy and trust God.

• Illustration: Singing in tough times can shake things up in miraculous ways.

O - Optimism in Testing

James 1:3 CSB

because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

• Principle: Testing of faith leads to steadfastness.

• Explanation: The word for “testing” is “dokimion” (δοκίμιον), referring to the process of proving genuine. Just like testing gold to purify it.

• Application: Reassure the congregation that their faith is being refined and strengthened.

• Statistics: Share statistics that 80% of church plants survive their first year, and 68% make it to four years (Lifeway Research). Highlight that perseverance plays a key role in these numbers.

• Illustration: My bathroom sink story about going through tests and coming out stronger.

Sermon Illustration: The Battle of the Bathroom Sink

Introduction

• Context: Everyone faces tests in life, and sometimes they’re as simple (or complicated) as a home improvement project.

Story: The Battle of the Bathroom Sink

Let me take you back to a day that started with optimism and ended with a newfound appreciation for professional help. I decided it was finally time to replace our old bathroom sink. How hard could it be, right?

Main Points

1. Optimism and Determination

• Starting Strong: I woke up early, armed with a YouTube tutorial and a toolbox that I was pretty sure had everything I needed.

• Confidence: I told myself, “If I can manage a church, surely I can manage a simple plumbing task!”

2. Reality Sets In

• First Hurdle: I confidently began disconnecting the bathroom sink. However, as I got under the sink, I realized I had no idea how to remove it. The tutorial made it look easy, but they didn’t account for 20 years of rust and complicated plumbing.

• Leaky Spigots: While trying to figure out how to remove the sink, I couldn’t get the under-sink spigots to stop leaking. Water was dripping everywhere, and my “simple” task was quickly turning into a disaster.

3. Frequent Trips to Lowes

• Wrong Parts: Thinking the problem was the wrong replacement parts, I made a trip to Lowes and bought a new sink faucet. When that didn’t work, I went back and bought another one.

• Comedic Struggle: Picture me running back and forth to Lowes, trying to find the right parts. Despite my efforts, I still couldn’t get the sink to work properly.

4. Mini-Flood and Total Defeat

• Shutting Off Water: In an attempt to stop the leaks, I had to shut off the water to the whole house, depriving Jennifer of water for most of the day. She was trying to keep up with the growing mess I was creating, but without running water, it was a losing battle.

• Reassembly: After hours of frustration and a wet mess, I admitted defeat. I ended up hooking all the pipes back together, but the sink remained the same. We still don’t have a new sink.

• Jennifer’s Reaction: Jennifer walked in, saw the chaos, and may have considered saying, “I thought you were fixing it, not creating a water park!” We laughed, but we both knew I was defeated, and it was clear that my DIY plumbing days were over.

5. The Aftermath

• Returning Parts: By the end of the day, I returned everything I hadn’t opened or destroyed to Lowes. I stood in the return line, feeling beaten by a bathroom sink.

• Reflection: It was a humbling experience. I realized that while I might not be cut out for plumbing, there’s value in trying and learning from mistakes. Sometimes the best solution is knowing when to call a professional.

Application

• Lesson: Life tests us in many ways, sometimes through situations where we feel out of our depth. It’s through these trials that we learn, grow, and sometimes discover our limitations.

• Encouragement: Embrace the tests and challenges with a sense of humor. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and to find joy even in the midst of a mini-flood in your bathroom.

Conclusion

• Takeaway: Next time you find yourself in over your head, whether it’s a home project or a life challenge, remember to laugh, learn, and maybe keep a plumber’s number handy. God’s got a plan, even if it involves a few misadventures along the way.

Y - Yearning for Maturity

James 1:4 CSB

And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

• Principle: Steadfastness leads to maturity and completeness.

• Explanation: The word for “mature” is “teleios” (τέλειος), meaning mature or fully developed. It doesn’t mean flawless but reaching full potential.

• Application: Encourage the congregation to allow this period of trial to mature them spiritually. Highlight the importance of community support and mutual encouragement.

• Illustration: Share a testimony of someone in the church who has grown through trials. Use humor to keep it light and engaging.

Sermon Illustration: Jerry’s Unbreakable Spirit

Introduction

• Context: We all face trials in life, some more challenging than others, but how we handle them can be a powerful testimony to our faith and character.

Story: Jerry’s Unbreakable Spirit

Let me tell you about my friend Jerry. Jerry has been through the wringer with health issues, and his foot just doesn’t seem to want to heal. To make matters worse, he now has hip and knee problems. You’d think this would be enough to make anyone grumpy, but not Jerry.

Main Points

1. Jerry’s Persistent Health Issues

• Foot Troubles: Jerry’s foot has been a problem for ages. Just when he thinks it’s getting better, it acts up again.

• Adding to the Mix: Recently, his hip and knee decided to join the party, making every step a challenge. If his body parts were employees, they’d be getting warnings for insubordination!

2. A Sense of Humor in the Face of Trials

• At the Doctor’s Office: Jerry walks into the doctor’s office with a spring in his step—or at least as much of a spring as his foot, hip, and knee will allow. He jokes with the receptionist, asking if they have a frequent flyer program for patients.

• In the Hospital: Jerry treats the hospital like a social club. He cracks jokes with the nurses and even gives the MRI machine a pep talk before climbing in: “You can do it, buddy. Let’s see what’s going on in here!”

3. Navigating the Insurance Maze

• Pretests and Approvals: You know the drill. To get a test, Jerry needs a pretest, which needs a doctor’s approval, which needs another test, which needs another approval. It’s like a never-ending game of healthcare hopscotch.

• Insurance Hurdles: Jerry once joked that dealing with insurance was like starring in his own reality TV show: “Survivor: Health Insurance Edition.” He’s the contestant who always gets the immunity idol of patience.

4. Keeping Spirits High Despite the Challenges

• Rescheduled Appointments: Jerry’s calendar looks like a battlefield map with all the rescheduled appointments. Yet, he laughs it off, saying he’s getting a Ph.D. in patience.

• Doctor Visits: Even when faced with another doctor’s visit to approve yet another pretest, Jerry keeps his spirits up. He jokes, “At this rate, I’ll have more doctors than friends!”

5. Jerry’s Impact on Others

• Chipper Attitude: Jerry’s attitude is contagious. Instead of bringing others down with his ailments, he lifts them up with his humor and positive outlook.

• A Beacon of Positivity: In the waiting room, he’s the guy everyone gravitates towards because his joy in the midst of trials shines brightly.

Application

• Lesson: Jerry’s story reminds us that no matter what trials we face, we can choose our attitude. His sense of humor and positivity are testaments to his faith and resilience.

• Encouragement: Embrace your trials with a smile and a joke. Your attitude can uplift others and turn challenging situations into opportunities for growth and joy.

Conclusion

• Takeaway: Next time you face a trial, remember Jerry. Let his unbreakable spirit inspire you to find joy and humor, even in the most frustrating circumstances. God’s got a plan, and sometimes that plan involves a lot of laughs along the way.

Addressing Congregational Questions

1. “Why hasn’t God provided a permanent home yet?”

• James 1:2-4: God is using this time to test and strengthen our faith, producing steadfastness and preparing us for greater things.

• Illustration: Share a humorous personal story about waiting for something better.

Sermon Illustration: Waiting for the Perfect Match

Introduction

• Context: Sometimes, waiting for the right thing can take a long time, but it’s always worth it in the end.

Story: Waiting for Jennifer

Let me tell you a story about waiting for something better, or should I say someone better. I spent decades searching for the perfect wife, and by the time God put Jennifer in my life in 2013, I had quite the resume in dating.

Main Points

1. The Long Search

• The Dating Chronicles: Over the years, I dated lots of women—good looking, smart, talented, and by all means the most sought after unmarried women a man could hope to find. Maybe I’m just a tad bit over exaggerating, but you get the idea.

• Exaggerated Pursuits: I like to think of myself as having quite the bachelor life. I imagined myself as a bit of a prince charming, always searching for my princess in a sea of pretty impressive candidates.

2. Enter Jennifer: The Perfect Match

• The Meeting: In 2013, after years of dating and waiting, God introduced me to Jennifer. It was like a divine light shone down and the heavens sang. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating again, but it felt pretty close to that.

• What Makes Jennifer Special: Jennifer is the best for me in so many ways. She helps me keep track of time (because let’s face it, I’m hopeless without her), tells me how wonderful I am (which I never tire of hearing), and makes sure my clothes match (a true act of love considering my fashion sense).

3. The Perfect Match

• Beyond Expectations: Truly, Jennifer is the best wife I could hope for, far exceeding any expectations I had from my dating days. She is leaps and bounds ahead of all the ladies I dated and known in my life.

• Daily Blessings: She brings so much joy and balance to my life. Her thoughtfulness and care make every day better, and I’m constantly reminded of how blessed I am to have waited for her.

Application

• Lesson: Sometimes, we have to wait a long time for the best things in life, but God’s timing is perfect. Waiting for Jennifer was worth every moment of the wait, and she is a reminder that God knows exactly what we need.

• Encouragement: Trust in God’s timing. Even if it takes decades, He has the perfect plan for you, just like He had for me with Jennifer.

Conclusion

• Takeaway: Next time you’re feeling impatient, remember my story. God’s timing brought Jennifer into my life, and she’s more than I could have ever hoped for. Wait for God’s best—He always delivers, and sometimes with a perfect match who helps you keep track of time, tells you how wonderful you are, and ensures your clothes match.

2. “How can we stay motivated and united during this period?”

• James 1:2-4: Embrace the trial with joy, knowing it is producing steadfastness in each of us. Stay united in our shared purpose and encourage one another in faith.

• Illustration: Talk about a sports team sticking together through tough training to win the championship.

You know, the Chicago Cubs were the ultimate example of sticking together through tough times. After 108 years of training, setbacks, and a few goat curses, they finally won the World Series in 2016. If that isn’t perseverance, I don’t know what is! I mean, some of their fans waited so long they probably thought they were in the middle of a baseball-themed ‘Groundhog Day’

You know, the Chicago Cubs were the ultimate example of sticking together through tough times. Let’s take a lesson from the Cubs and stick together in our shared purpose, encouraging one another in faith. Together, we can achieve great things, even if it sometimes feels like we’re in a never-ending game!

3. “What can we do to help the church find a permanent home?”

• James 1:2-4: Continue to trust in God’s timing and remain steadfast in faith. Participate actively, pray diligently, and support one another.

• Illustration: Statement about church efforts leading to success.

Finding a building for your church to meet may feel like a quest for the Holy Grail. But through prayer, persistence, and a lot of patience, you’re still on the hunt. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you work together. You haven’t found the perfect spot yet, but with unity and a sense of humor, remain confident that God’s perfect place for you is just around the corner!

Practical Applications

1. Joy in the Journey

• Action: Encourage the congregation to find joy in the journey, focusing on the growth and maturity God is bringing about.

2. Optimism in Testing

• Action: Foster a sense of community and mutual encouragement within the church.

3. Yearning for Maturity

• Action: Encourage the congregation to let steadfastness have its full effect, embracing the maturity and completeness God is developing in them.

Conclusion

• Recap of Key Points

• Joy in trials, optimism in testing, and yearning for maturity.

• Embrace trials with joy, knowing they produce steadfastness.

• Testing of faith leads to spiritual maturity and completeness.

• Closing Prayer

• Pray for God’s guidance, provision, and strength to persevere.

• Ask for unity and encouragement within the congregation.

• Invitation for Response

• Invite the congregation to reflect on the message and respond with renewed faith and commitment.