Trial Prep

Pray

Give Honor:

Rev Guns, Nikki Guns, and also College Sunday is this sunday

Text:

James 1:2–6 (NASB95)

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

James 1:12 (NASB95)

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Trial Prep

My wife and I wear a lot of hats between the two of us.

We don’t just pastor full-time—

We also handle some other jobs on the side….side hustles if you will.

She does marketing, making sure those beautiful flyers get into your hands for church.

And when tax season rolls around, I make sure folks get those refund checks on time. Amen?

But one of my favorite jobs is being a Corporate Representative for Citizens Property Insurance in the state of Florida.

Now, before you get all impressed, let me break that down for you. It’s just a fancy title for someone who assists high-powered lawyers in their work.

I love this job!

It challenges me,

it keeps me on my toes,

and its actually fun.

When I first started, they taught me some lessons that stuck with me.

The first lesson they taught me is…

Don’t Overthink this job – they said Sometimes, you will get in your own way by thinking too much and you’ll end up doing way too much.

The second lesson they taught me is….

Listen to Your Leader – Because following the voice of your leader will help limit the mistakes that you make on this job…

The third lesson they taught me is…..,

Trials Are Inevitable – They are apart of job of a corporate rep.

Trials are going to come

It’s not if, it’s when.

So, there I was, doing my job, when I got the call—“It’s time for one of your cases to go to trial.”

I was worried, I was scared…

I lied a little bit on my application, so at that time, I aint know what I was doing.

And before I could even quit and go another route, my manager said,

“It’s time for our Trial Prep Session.”

You see, trial prep is when they sit you down and get you ready for what’s ahead.

They ask questions that they would ask at trial,

They do cross examination like they would do at trial and

They make sure you’ve got everything you need to walk into that courtroom with confidence.

and , trial prep isn’t easy.

It’s a process.

It requires focus,

It requires discipline,

and most of all—

it requires a little bit of faith.

You’ve got to trust that what you’re preparing for is coming, and

you’ve got to be ready to use the tools you learned in practice.

and students I came tonight to tell you just like my team lead told me,

Trials Are Inevitable –

And this something that we don’t like to hear, but it’s true.

In the faith walk that we’re in, you Can not escape trials.

That’s a lesson you need to get tonight.

That no matter how saved you are

no matter how much you pray,

no matter how much faith you have—trials are coming.

from the youngest, to the oldest, TRIALS ARE INEVETIBLE.

But TONIGHT I CAME TO GIVE YOU SOME TRIAL PREP BECAUSE at some point, you’re going to face something.

It may be a sickness,

it may be a financial struggle,

it may be a broken relationship.

it may be a test you didn’t study for

It may be a group message that you’re kicked out of

it may be a mental health crisis that you weren’t expecting

it may be a class that you didn’t expect to be as hard as it was.

But hear me today—there is no escaping the trials of life.

But here’s the good news!

The good news is…The Word of God tonight is the basis of our preparation.

What you will get tonight are tools that you can use, when you face various trials.

This text is your trial prep!

This Word is what you need to get ready for the trial that’s coming in your life because the truth is,

God never promised us we wouldn’t face trials, but He promised us that he has given us the proper preparation!

And if you hold onto this Word, you’ll have what you need to make it through the trial!

When you’re going through the storm, this Word will hold you steady.

When you’re feeling weak, this Word will give you strength.

When the enemy tries to make you doubt, this Word will remind you of God’s promises.

And with God on your side, you’ll not only make it through the trial—but you’ll come out stronger, wiser, and more faithful than ever before

So the question that I want to raise tonight is, “What are the tools that we need to be successful during trials?”

if youre taking notes.

1. The Right Response to Your Trials

The Bible says

James 1:2–3 (NASB95)

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

James writes this book to a group of believers who are feeling the weight of life on their shoulders.

The struggles the Christian church are facing aren't just a small inconvenience—

They are navigating real pain, real problems, and real persecution.

Christianity, at that time, wasn’t just unpopular; it was dangerous.

To follow Jesus often meant you were cut off from your community, ridiculed, or even attacked.

So, when James says, “Consider it all joy,” to people enduring these kinds of trials, it’s not just surprising—it’s almost offensive.

Because: How do you find joy when your life is falling apart?

How do you count it all joy when you’re dealing with the pressures of life—

How do you find joy when your relationships are on the rocks,

How do you find joy when your money just dont make sense

How do you find joy when you’re singled out for what you believe?

but James is challenging the natural human response.

Normally, when we face trials,

we complain, we worry, we stress, and we cry.

and although, these responses are normal, James offers us a better response and that response is joy.

Joy is not about your situation—it’s about your foundation. I

t’s not about whether things are easy or hard;

it’s about whether you trust that God is doing something in the midst of it.

James isn’t just talking about putting on a fake smile or denying the reality of your struggles.

He isn’t talking about happiness that comes from circumstances; it’s joy that comes from knowing God is at work.

James is saying joy is possible because trials have a purpose. in other words, The trials you face are not random; God doesnt waste trials.

They are the testing your faith.

and this testing of the faith produces patience or

Endurance.

Endurance is the ability to remain steady,

endurance is the ability to hold on,

endurance is the ability to to keep moving forward even when everything around you says, “Give up.”

And the truth is: you can’t develop endurance without going through something.

hear me: YOUR Trials are the gym where your spiritual muscles are strengthened.

And when you get that—when you really understand that the trials in your life are producing something eternal—then you can have joy. Not because you enjoy suffering, but because you trust what God is doing through it.

James says, “Count it all joy,” because there’s something transformative about suffering when you see it from God’s perspective. It shapes you, refines you, and produces in you a faith that is unshakable.

So, when you’re broke and trying to figure out how to make ends meet—count it all joy, because God is teaching you to trust Him as your provider. When your relationships are falling apart—count it all joy, because God is refining you in ways that only trials can. When life knocks you down—count it all joy, because joy is not dependent on your circumstances but on God’s constant, unwavering presence in your life.

Joy is a choice, a perspective shift. It’s deciding that even though things are hard, I’m going to trust that God is still good, and that He’s working this out for my good. That’s why James can say, “Consider it all joy,” because joy isn’t about what’s happening to you—it’s about what’s happening in you.

He says count it allllllll joy.

in other words,

It’s a joy that God chose me to go through this

It’s a joy I’m learning my lesson,

It’s a joy they lied on me

It’s a joy they did me bad

IT’s a joy that they throw dirt on my name and its a Joy because God trust me to go Through it and GOD loves me enough to make me better in it.

You have to have

2. The Right REQUEST during your trials.

James 1:5–6 (NASB95)

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

In James 1:5-6, we see that wisdom is critical in trials.

James says if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask God. And the truth is, we all lack wisdom sometimes.

Wisdom isn’t just knowing stuff or being smart.

It’s understanding how God wants us to handle life’s challenges.

It’s about knowing how to get through the tough times with faith.

and james tells us that If we want to through this trial. IT’S GOING TO TAKE WISDOM.

You just have to be smart enought to ASK.

James tells us that God is generous—

He’ll give us wisdom if we ask Him.

BUT IT’S NOT JUST WHAT WE ASK.

But the way we ask is important.

We must ask in faith and not doubt.

James compares a doubter to the waves of the sea—tossed around and unstable.

When you doubt, you’re unstable,

but when you have faith, you stand firm in the promises of God.

We all go through trials

And when we do, our first reaction IS usually asking Him to get us out of the situation.

We want our money problems fixed,

WE WANT our relationships healed,

WE WANT our health restored

But what James is saying is, instead of just asking God to take away the trial, ask Him for wisdom to handle it SO THAT IF IT COMES UP AGAIN, YOU’LL NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUUT STAYING IN IT LONG.

If you’re struggling with money, it might not be that you need more money. What you need is wisdom to manage what you already have.

If you’re feeling lonely, it’s not just about finding more friends. It’s about having wisdom in your relationships—knowing how to connect better with people.

If you’re feeling weak and overwhelmed, it’s not just about asking for strength. It’s about wisdom to know where to put your trust—in God, not in yourself.

So, the next time you face a trial, don’t just say, “God, fix this!” Instead, say, “God, give me wisdom to navigate through this.”

I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS IN COLLEGE,

I WAS BROKE.

AND I’D PRAY AND FAST FOR MORE MONEY.

GOD WILL GIVE ME MONEY,

AND I’D STILL BE BROKE.

SO I ASKED MY DAD, WHY AM I STILL BROKE.

HE SAID IT’S BECAUSE YOU DON’T HAVE THE WISDOM TO MANAGE WHAT YOU HAVE.

AND ALL I’M TRYING TO TELL YOU IS MAYBE THE REASON YOU STILL FACING PROBLEMS. IS BECAUSE YOU DONT HAVE THE WISDOM TO HANDLE WHAT GOD HAS BLESSED YOU WITH.

AND Here’s the GOOD NEWS If you ask God for wisdom, He will give it to you—generously and without holding back. IN OTHER WORDS, THE WISDOM IS WAITING ON YOU TO ASK.

NOT ONLY DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE

1. THE RIGHT RESPONSE TOYOUR TRIALS.

2. THE RIGHT REQUEST DURING YOUR TRIALS.

BUT THEN YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT

3. THERE IS A REWARD FOR YOUR TRIALS.

James 1:12 NASB95

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

james says,

Blessed is the man.

Happier is the man

Better off is the man that endures the trials.

I said this last week. God doesn’t waste trials!

He doesn’t waste hardships,

He doesn’t waste low moments, and

He doesn’t waste problems or pain.

Every struggle you’ve been through—

every heartache, every tear—it has a purpose.

God will allow you to capitalize off what you’ve gone through because God doesn’t waste your trials.

You see, trials are investments.

Every time you go through something, God is using it to produce something in you.

James already told us earlier in the chapter that trials produce perseverance,

and perseverance leads to maturity (James 1:3-4).

But there’s more to it—

God is working through your trials to bring about something greater than just survival.

He’s shaping you, growing you, and yes, rewarding you.

We often think of rewards in terms of money, success, or comfort.

But the reward God has for you is far greater.

It’s wisdom, it’s character, it’s the ability to trust Him in ways you never thought possible.

When you endure trials with faith, you gain more than just relief from your situation—you gain spiritual strength that can’t be taken away.

Let me say it again: God will allow you to capitalize on what you’ve gone through.

What do I mean by that?

God doesn’t just allow you to go through a trial for no reason

He allows it because He knows it’s going to produce something in you

Your financial struggle will teach you how to handle blessings when they come.

Your health crisis will teach you how to rely on God in every situation

].Your relationship struggles will give you the wisdom to build stronger, healthier relationships.

God allows these trials because He knows the reward is worth the struggle.;

You know know,

just touch somebody and say I know now.

because I WAS SICK , I KNOW MANY ARE THE AFFLICTIONS OF THE RIGHTEOUS BUT THE LORD WILL DELIVER THEM OUT OF THEM ALL

BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT THE TAIL FEELS LIKE , I KNOW THAT I’M THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL, ABOVE AND NOT BENEATH, THE LENDER AND NOT THE BORROWER

BECAUSE I ENDURED SOME LOW MOMENTS, I KNOW NOW THAT GREATER IS HE THAT IS WITHIN ME THAN HE THAT’S WITHIN THE WORLD

BECAUSE I WAS HURT NOW I KNOW THAT THE LORD IS MY REFUGE AND MY STRENGTH…HES A VERY PRESENT HELP IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE

AND BECAUSE I ENDURED WHERE YOU ARE WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I CAN SAY I WAS YOUNG, AND NOW I’M OLD, BUT I’VE NEVER, SEEN THE RIGHTEOUS FORSAKEN NOR HIS SEED BEGGING FOR BREAD.

BECUASE I ENDURED THE STORM,

I KNOW NOW, THAT HES A BRIDGE, OVER TROOUBLED WATER

HES A SHELTER IN THE TIME OF STORM

HES A WAYMAKER

A MIRACLE WORKER

A PROMISE KEEPER

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS.

YOUR TRIAL PREP IS OFFICIALY OVER!!!!!!!@

ARE YOU READY FOR TRIAL?

I SAID ARE YOU READY FOR TRIAL.

WELL IF YOURE READY FOR TRIAL, LET ME GET YOUR TESTIMONY,

RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND.

DO YOU SWEAR TO TELL THE TRUTH AND THE WHOLE TRUTH SO HELP YOU GOD?

HAS THE LORD BEEN GOOD?

HAS THE LORD MADE A WAY?

HAS THE LORD OPEND DOORS?

HAS THE LORD ZEROED OUT SOME BALANCES?

HAS THE LORD HEALED YOUR BODY?

HAS THE LORD DONE IT?

I GOT ONE MORE QUESTION?

WONT HE DO IT?

WONT HE DO IT?

WONT HE DO IT?