Triumph in Trial

GETTING STARTED

A few years ago, a friend of mine went through a miscarriage. She had been trying to conceive for years, and her heartbreak was evident. However, during this time she resisted the temptation to make herself the center of attention. She resisted the temptation to let Satan steer her thoughts. She resisted the temptation to stop being compassionate toward others. In fact, during this time she served women at a pregnancy resource center, and went to visit a friend whose newborn was having serious medical complications. I will never forget her example of what it means to be a Christian during a time of trial.

  • What trial have you faced recently, and how did you handle it?

READ THE WORD: JAMES 1:12-15 (ESV)

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully-grown brings forth death.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What did James say would happen to the person who remained steadfast under trial (vs. 12)?
  2. Whom or what is the cause of temptation (vss. 13-15)?
  3. Why is it significant that God cannot be tempted with evil?
  4. How has one of your own desires given way to sin in your life?
  5. What does it look like for you to “remain steadfast under trial” today?

RESPOND TO GOD

As of today, God has blessed my friend with three beautiful and healthy children. In her case, God wasn’t saying no to her dream of being a mom, but wait. I believe he was allowing her an opportunity to show God to others in a way few could do. Her strength ministered to me, without her even knowing it.

As Christians, we will certainly face trials and temptations; how we choose to walk through these times reveals a great deal about our trust in and love for the Lord.

  • Pray that God will give you the strength to weather trials in such a way to receive the crown of life.
  • Ask God to shine light on your own desires that are not in line with his will, and to change your heart in these areas.