Lord Help Me Grow Through What I’m Going Through

Lord Help Me Grow Through What I’m Going Through

Scripture: James 1:1-5

Beloved, good afternoon. If you listen to glorify devotions daily, you would’ve found that this past week was dedicated to the subject of joy.

The hardest thing for us to understand is why we go through what we go through in our believer’s walk in Christ. sickness in our bodies, a death of a love one, troubles on our jobs, or in our relationships!

Today, God wants to help somebody’s understanding from the start.

William Shakespeare wrote in his play Hamlet, “Though this be madness, yet there is method in it,"

The phrase describes situations that appear chaotic and unreasonable on the surface but actually have an underlying order and purpose.

God has purpose in everything He does. Isaiah 46:10 tells us that “God declares the end from the beginning, and from the ancient times things that are not yet done, saying My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure”. Not that God takes pleasure in our sufferings. But God knows it might not feel good, but it works out for our good.

God’s will for our lives gives Him pleasure and works His purpose…

God is growing and shaping us!

1. It’s Embracing God's Shaping Process

You need to know this truth family,

"God’s work in our lives is not about making us comfortable but about making us conformable to the image of His Son."

Trials serve as the tools God uses to mold our character and deepen our dependence on Him, that’s His pleasure.

Through difficulties, we learn to let go of self-reliance and embrace God's refining process, that’s His purpose.

2. It’s The Role of Challenges in Growth

"Every heart-shaping encounter, especially the difficult ones, are opportunities to encounter God’s presence and power in new ways."

Challenges and trials are not meant to break us but to build us. You and I were built for this

Challenges provide unique opportunities for us to experience God's presence and power. When we face difficulties, we can trust that God is with us, using these experiences to strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with Him.

3. It’s Developing Spiritual Maturity

"God uses the crucible of crisis to test and refine us into his leaders.

It's in these moments that our faith is tested, that our spiritual maturity is developed."

Trials serve as a crucible, testing and refining our faith. Through these experiences, we are stretched and strengthened, leading us to spiritual maturity. As we persevere through difficulties, we become more resilient and better equipped to fulfill the roles God has called us to.

4. It’s the beginning of Understanding God’s Purpose

"God’s shaping work involves leading us into situations where we have no choice but to trust Him."

Sometimes, God leads us into situations where we are forced to rely on Him completely.

These moments of uncertainty and trial help us surrender control and deepen our trust in God's wisdom and timing. Through these experiences, we learn that God's purpose is greater than our temporary trials of discomfort.

5. Transformation Comes Through Trials

"Transformation is a journey that involves both triumphs and trials. It’s through this journey that God shapes our hearts and prepares us for His purposes."

Transformation is not an instantaneous event but a continuous lifelong journey filled with both joys and pains.

Each experience plays a role, and are preparing us for God's purposes. When embracing this journey, we allow God to work in us and through us, using our trials to bring about His glory.

I could say Amen and we could go home right there, But…

We need to dive into the wisdom of scripture found in James 1:1-5.

This passage invigorates us through the journey of growth through trials, where God’s hand guides us through testing, perseverance, and ultimately into completeness.

How many know we find strength for the struggle in the word, because we can’t separate Christ from His word! The world began with a word: In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God!

Our external circumstances, often filled with challenges, are opportunities for internal transformation, leading us to a place where we lack nothing because we are in Christ's care. He’s true to His Word. Our focus should be be on and in His Word to distinguish between happiness, which is external, and joy, which is internal and eternal, anchored in the steadfast love of God.

Scripture: James 1:1-5 (The Remedy Version)

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Lord Help Me Grow Through What I’m Going Through

Context

James, the brother of Jesus, writes to Jewish believers dispersed throughout the world. They faced various trials, persecution, and challenges to their faith. His letter serves as a guide, helping them understand that trials are not meaningless but serve a divine purpose in shaping their character and faith.

Happiness vs. Joy

Happiness is often dictated by external circumstances. It is fleeting, dependent on events, and can quickly change when things do not go as planned.

Joy, on the other hand, is an internal encounter with God’s presence. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is not reliant on our external circumstances but rooted in our relationship with Christ. Joy comes from knowing that we are loved, redeemed, and cared for by a faithful God who promises never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

David said: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.

Step 1: Testing of Faith

"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 begins by challenging us to see trials as a source of joy. This seems counterintuitive, yet it is in these moments that our faith is tested. Just as gold is refined by fire, so our faith is strengthened through trials.

Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. It is through these experiences that God refines us and draws us closer to Him.

Think of a diamond, which is formed under immense pressure. It starts as a piece of carbon but emerges as a precious gem. Our trials are the pressures that transform us into something beautiful in God’s sight.

Step 2: Producing Perseverance

"Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Perseverance is the steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. It is the persistence that builds character and prepares us for what God has in store. James tells us to allow perseverance to do its work, leading to maturity and completeness.

Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Our trials teach us to rely not on our strength but on God's grace, which is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9).

My wife and I watched Olympics where Noah Lyles won the 100-meter race, only to lose the race that he runs the best, the 200 meter. Consider if you will his training. day in and day out, morning after morning, Despite the medical report of Covid-19 sickness he felt in his body, knew his training wouldn’t allow him to quit the race set before him.

He fought a good fight; he finished the race.

This training journey of ours is not easy, it requires discipline and endurance even if we don’t come in first place. Each step, each mile, builds the strength needed to complete the race. It’s part of our spiritual journey.

Step 3: Lacking Nothing

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

In Christ, we lack nothing. Through trials, we gain wisdom, maturity, and a deeper relationship with God. Wisdom is the ability to see our circumstances from God’s perspective and to act accordingly. When we ask God for wisdom, He generously provides, guiding us through every trial.

Philippians 4:19 assures us that God will meet all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.

We may face challenges, but in Him, we find everything we need to grow through what we’re going through.

Look at God...

1. He’s the Sculptor and we are His Sculpture

A skilled sculptor who knows every detail of the sculpture he is crafting. From the initial rough form to the intricate details, the sculptor is intimately involved in every aspect of its creation. He sees the finished product even before the first cut is made and knows precisely how each tool will shape the sculpture.

Psalm 139:

In Psalm 139:13-16, the psalmist reflects on how God formed our inmost being and knit us together in our mother's womb. Just as the sculptor knows his creation intimately, God knows every part of us, even before we were born. He sees the finished work He intends for our lives, and nothing about us is hidden from Him.

2. He’s the Shepherd and we His Sheep

He’s a shepherd who knows each sheep in his flock by name. He knows where they are at all times, cares for their needs, and guides them to safe pastures. Even when one sheep wanders off, the shepherd diligently searches until it is found.

In Psalm 139:1-4, the psalmist acknowledges that God knows when we sit and rise, our thoughts from afar, and our paths. Like a shepherd, God is aware of every step we take and is intimately involved in guiding us through life’s journey. His knowledge of us is complete, and His care is unwavering.

3. Like a Parent and a Child

Like parents who knows their child so well that they can anticipate the child's needs and understand their emotions even before they are expressed. God is our parent that’s always present, ready to comfort and guide us His children through challenges and joys alike.

God folds us in behind and before, laying His hand upon us. Like a caring parent, God surrounds us with His presence, knowing our needs and thoughts before we express them. His understanding is beyond our comprehension, yet He is always there to comfort and guide us.

4. He’s the Author of the Story

Who has written a novel, knowing every plot twist, character development, and outcome before the story unfolds. The author understands the purpose of each chapter and how each event contributes to the overall narrative.

In Psalm 139:16, the psalmist writes that all the days ordained for us were written in God’s book before one of them came to be. God, like an author, knows the entire story of our lives. He understands the purpose behind each event we experience and how it fits into His grand narrative for us.

5. Like The Artist and the Canvas

An artist painting on a canvas, knowing exactly how each brushstroke contributes to the final masterpiece. The artist sees the whole picture even when only parts are visible, and every detail is intentional and meaningful.

In Psalm 139:7-10, the psalmist acknowledges that there is no place we can go where God is not present. Like an artist who sees the entire canvas, God sees the whole picture of our lives. He is present in every detail, using each experience to create a masterpiece that reflects His glory.

Beloved, as we journey through life, we will face trials of many kinds. It’s not an if, it’s a when.

James is urging us to remember that these are not just obstacles but also opportunities for growth. God uses them to test our faith, produce perseverance, and bring us to completeness. In Christ, we lack nothing. Our external circumstances may not always bring happiness, but we can find joy and strength in the Lord, knowing He is with us every step of the way.

That trial is refining you

That test is maturing you

That valley is preparing you

That delay is disciplining you

And God is working for you

So pray for wisdom and strength to endure and rejoice in the trials, being confident in God's promise to complete the good work He began in us (Philippians 1:6).

Open the doors of the Church.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your presence in our lives. Help us to find joy in our trials, knowing they are part of Your divine plan to grow us in faith and character. Grant us the wisdom to see our challenges from Your perspective and the perseverance to endure them with grace. In every circumstance, remind us that we lack nothing in Christ. Strengthen our hearts and guide us closer to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.