5 Ways to Handle Trials and Tribulations

Mark Nichols Posey is the Administrator of Pulpit Preview, a facebook page filled with sermon starter ideas.  If you are a preacher or make short talks you will find it helpful.

Today’s facebook Friday was inspired by Mark’s 5 word outline from James 1:1-12 on how to handle trials, tribulation, and temptation,

#1 Count

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (Jas. 1:2)

The issue is not if we will face trials in life, but when. Everyone does. We often don’t see them in the lives of others, because we are absorbed in our own problems. Plus other people’s problems are not always obvious.

The word “count” is a financial term that means to evaluate. We need to see our trials from God’s point of view. Our outlook on trials will determine the outcome. And our attitude determines action.

While joy, is not a natural reaction to a problem, when evaluated through the lens of faith we can find joy even in difficult situations. Futhermore, realize that joy and happiness are not synonymous. It’s possible to endure an unhappy circumstance, but maintain the joy of faith.

#2 Know

“knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (Jas. 1:3)

It is easier to face troubles and trials in life when we know they may help us. They can make us stronger spiritually. They can fortify our faith. They can humble us. Bring us closer to God. Produce mental, emotional and spiritual maturity.

Strength of character is not developed in the classroom. By listening to a sermon. Reading a book. Or a devotional blog. It is forged in the crucible of struggle. Striving. And conflict.

#3 Let

“But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (Jas. 1:4)

We don’t like the word surrender. It signals to us defeat. Giving up. Throwing in the towel. Yet, surrender is at the heart of Christianity. Jesus asks us to surrender to Him. Our minds. Our hearts. Our lives.

Without our cooperation, the Lord cannot construct our character. This involves surrender. And at the heart of surrender is obedience. To trust and obey. Even when its hard.

Without a surrendered will, we cannot grow spiritually and become what the Lord desires us to be. And this will involve some trials.

#4 Ask

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (Jas. 1:5).

When you’re going through a tough time, pray. Ask for God’s help. Seek divine wisdom.

Every situation, circumstance, and challenge of life ought to be predicated by prayer. Not as a last resort with a faint glimmer of hope. Or with doubting. Or duplicity. But believing. With faith in the ability of God to hear our prayers and respond to our heartfelt requests.

#5 Endure

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (Jas. 1:12).

Endurance is an essential ingredient to success in any endeavor. Business. Sports. Education. And most importantly living the Christian life.

When we endure we are blessed and we are better for it. Endurance through trials, tribulations, and temptations sharpens, strengthens, and empowers us. It molds us to be more like Christ. It fortifies our faith. And buoys our hope.

Finally, as author and and trainer John Dabrowski put it, “Adversity is the grindstone of life. Intended to polish you up, adversity also has the ability to grind you down. The impact and ultimate result depend on what you do with the difficulties that come your way.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman