Many has mistakenly believed that following Jesus would insure a smooth path through life. Christ-followers don’t get a pass on the troubles and trials of this world. People often turn to Jesus when life has them down, cornered, and desperate. Jesus does forgive, offer hope and direction, but troubles and trials don’t vanish. When disappointment, disaster, and sorrows happen, some believers abandon their faith feeling that Jesus has let them down. Remember the once popular country song, “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden”? Well, it’s that way with the Christian life. Jesus states in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.” He doesn’t candy-coat it, there is no free pass. Pain is a promise; suffering is inevitable. But if God loves us as much as He says he does, then there must be a purpose behind the pain. There must be some blessings that we experience because of the troubles and hardships.

Scriptures – John 16:20-22, 33; 1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-4

Verses – So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. (1 Pt 1:6-7) 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. (Ja 1:2-4) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn 16:33)

Thought – What blessings can come from troubles and hardships? 1) Troubles and hardships prove your faith. They reveal the depth of your faith and your confidence in Jesus. Peter wrote to Christ-followers who were under extreme persecution by Nero. They weren’t just being slandered or excluded; they were being thrown to the dogs for sport. Yet Peter tells them there is joy ahead. Staying strong through these present trials would prove their faith and when it remains strong, it brings rewards, maybe not in this world, but in the world to come. 2) Trials and troubles are preparing you for a purpose. James writes that testing produces perseverance, and when that work is completed, you become mature and lack nothing when it comes to your faith. Most everything that is worthwhile comes through hard work, difficulties, and experience gained through tests and trials. When you cling to God in the tough times, you grow in your faith and gain spiritual maturity. When the next trial comes you are more deeply rooted and strong. Jesus said that although we can count on troubles in this world, we can “take heart” because he has overcome the world! 

Questions – What is the secret to spiritual maturity? Have difficult times strengthened your faith? Explain. Do you see yourself as spiritually mature? Why or why not? How has difficulty prepared you for a purpose? Explain. What do you consider to be persecution in our society today? Have you been persecuted? If so, explain. How can we prepare ourselves for whatever persecution might come our way? 

Response – Thank God for being with you in every trial. Rely on Him and read His word so you are built up when difficulties come. God’s word is your sword.

Prayer – Gracious Lord, keep me strong in trying times, knowing that you are with me. Give me your direction and your peace. Thank you for making me an overcomer through you! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.