Embracing Faith Through Trials and Everyday Life
Summary
Today, we gathered as a community shaped by gratitude, resilience, and hope. In the midst of ongoing recovery and change—both in our church and in our lives—we are invited to embrace a faith that is not passive or hidden, but one that actively “shows up.” Drawing from the opening chapter of James, we are reminded that trials and hardships are not rare interruptions, but part of the journey of faith. These challenges, though uninvited, are opportunities for God to shape us, refine us, and reveal His faithfulness in new ways.
James calls us to consider it “pure joy” when we face trials, not because suffering is good, but because God can bring about endurance, maturity, and completeness through our perseverance. This is not a call to deny pain or pretend all is well, but to trust that God is at work even in the hardest moments. We are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, knowing that God gives generously and without reproach. Prayer is not a last resort, but our first response—an act of trust in a God who delights in giving us what we need.
Trusting God means remembering His constancy in a world of change. Like the lighthouse keeper who kept the light burning through the storm, we are called to trust in the “Father of lights,” whose love and faithfulness never waver. Our faith is not just for moments of crisis, but for the ordinary days—Tuesdays and Thursdays—when someone needs hope, light, or a simple act of kindness. We are invited to ask ourselves daily: Where does God want my faith to show up this week?
As we come to the communion table, we remember that our faith is anchored not in our own strength, but in the faithfulness of Christ, who endured suffering and death out of love for us. Whether our faith feels strong or fragile, we are welcomed to receive God’s unchanging grace. Let us leave this place ready to let our faith show up—in our families, our workplaces, our neighborhoods—so that we might be a beacon of God’s love in the world.
Key Takeaways
- Trials are not signs of God’s absence, but invitations to experience His faithfulness in new ways. When hardship arrives uninvited, it is an opportunity for God to refine us, much like gold in the fire or coal under pressure. Rather than seeking to avoid all discomfort, we are called to look for God’s presence and purpose within it, trusting that endurance will lead to maturity and completeness. [35:10]
- Joy in suffering is not about denying pain, but about trusting God’s ability to bring good from even the hardest circumstances. James’ call to “consider it pure joy” is not naïve optimism, but a deep conviction that God is at work in the midst of our trials. This perspective allows us to move beyond bitterness or despair, and to find hope even when the outcome is uncertain. [43:04]
- Wisdom is a gift God gives generously to those who ask, especially in times of uncertainty. Knowledge alone is not enough; we need the ability to discern and act rightly in complex situations. Turning to God in prayer as our first response, rather than a last resort, opens us to receive the guidance and strength we need for each moment. [49:09]
- God’s faithfulness is the one constant in a world of change. Like the lighthouse keeper who trusted the light to guide ships through the storm, we are called to trust in the “Father of lights,” whose love and promises never fail. Remembering God’s constancy anchors us when everything else feels unstable, and gives us courage to persevere. [54:58]
- Faith that “shows up” is not just for moments of crisis, but for everyday life. We are called to be present for others, to offer hope, light, and love in ordinary moments as well as extraordinary ones. By asking daily where God wants our faith to show up, we become people whose faith is visible, practical, and transformative in our communities. [57:08]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:36] - Opening Words of Gratitude
[05:28] - Community Life and Announcements
[11:39] - Introduction to “Faith That Shows Up” Series
[14:55] - Community Updates and Transitions
[34:24] - Pastoral Prayer and Intercession
[37:32] - The Lord’s Prayer
[38:46] - Reading from James 1
[40:56] - Trials Arrive Uninvited
[43:04] - Wrestling with Joy in Suffering
[45:51] - The Austrian Village Story: Faith in Crisis
[48:08] - A Faith That Endures
[49:09] - A Faith That Asks for Wisdom
[52:37] - A Faith That Trusts God’s Constancy
[56:11] - Faith That Shows Up in Everyday Life
[58:28] - Invitation to the Communion Table
[01:03:34] - Communion: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
[01:10:04] - Closing Words and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Faith That Shows Up
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### Bible Reading
James 1:1-18 (ESV)
> James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
> To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:
> Greetings.
> 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
> 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
> 9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
> 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.
> 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to James, what is the purpose of trials and testing in the life of a believer? (James 1:2-4)
2. What does James say we should do if we lack wisdom, and how does God respond to our asking? (James 1:5)
3. In the sermon, what examples were given of faith “showing up” in everyday life, not just in crisis? [[56:11]]
4. How does James describe God as the “Father of lights,” and what does that mean about God’s character? (James 1:17) [[54:58]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think James tells us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials? How is this different from pretending everything is okay? [[43:04]]
2. The sermon mentioned that prayer should be our first response, not our last resort. What does this reveal about our trust in God? [[51:12]]
3. How does remembering God’s constancy help us endure seasons of change or hardship? [[54:58]]
4. The pastor shared a story about a lighthouse keeper who kept the light burning through the storm. What does this story teach us about faith and trust? [[52:37]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent trial or hardship you’ve faced. Did you see it as an opportunity for God to shape you, or just something to get through? How might your perspective change in light of James’ teaching? [[35:10]]
2. When you are uncertain or overwhelmed, what is usually your first response—prayer, research, talking to friends, or something else? How can you make prayer your first response this week? [[51:12]]
3. The sermon encouraged us to ask God for wisdom, not just knowledge. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need God’s wisdom? What would it look like to ask and wait for God’s answer? [[49:09]]
4. The pastor challenged us to let our faith “show up” not just in crisis, but in ordinary moments. Who in your life this week might need hope, encouragement, or a simple act of kindness from you? [[57:08]]
5. The image of God as the “Father of lights” means His love and faithfulness never change. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God’s constancy? What would help you remember His faithfulness? [[54:58]]
6. As you come to the communion table (or remember it), do you feel your faith is strong or fragile right now? How does knowing God’s grace is unchanging encourage you in this season? [[58:28]]
7. The sermon asked, “Where does God want my faith to show up this week?” Take a moment to reflect and share one specific place or relationship where you sense God calling you to be present with faith. [[57:08]]
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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray for wisdom, endurance, and opportunities for faith to “show up” in the coming week.
Devotional
Day 1: Enduring Faith in Trials
Trials often arrive uninvited, yet they are opportunities for our faith to grow and mature. When hardships come, it is natural to question and even resist the idea of finding joy in them, but God invites us to see these moments as refining fires that produce endurance and spiritual completeness. Just as the early Christians faced persecution and suffering, we too are called to persevere, trusting that God is at work even in our pain. Through endurance, we become more like Christ, lacking nothing and strengthened for whatever lies ahead. [43:04]
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Think of a current trial or hardship you are facing—how might you begin to see it as an opportunity for God to grow endurance and maturity in your faith today?
Day 2: Asking God for Wisdom
When we encounter situations beyond our understanding, God invites us to ask Him for wisdom, promising to give generously and without reproach. Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is the ability to discern and act rightly in the midst of confusion or difficulty. Rather than relying solely on our own resources or turning to prayer as a last resort, we are encouraged to make seeking God’s guidance our first response. God’s grace is abundant, and He delights in giving us what we need for each moment, especially when we come to Him in faith. [50:12]
James 1:5 (ESV)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: What is one decision or situation this week where you need God’s wisdom? Will you pause and ask Him for guidance before taking your next step?
Day 3: Trusting in God’s Unchanging Faithfulness
In a world where everything seems to shift and change, God remains the constant “Father of lights,” steadfast and faithful through every season. Even when resources run low or circumstances feel unstable, we are called to trust in God’s unwavering presence and provision. Just as the lighthouse keeper kept the light burning in faith, we too can rely on God’s faithfulness to see us through storms, knowing that He has been with us in the past and will remain with us in the future. [54:58]
James 1:17 (ESV)
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Reflection: Recall a time when God’s faithfulness carried you through a difficult season—how does remembering His constancy encourage you to trust Him with today’s uncertainties?
Day 4: Faith That Shows Up in Everyday Life
Faith is not just for moments of crisis; it is meant to be lived out in the ordinary rhythms of our daily lives. God calls us to be people whose faith “shows up” for others—offering hope, love, and presence wherever there is need. Whether it’s a simple act of kindness, a listening ear, or a helping hand, our faith becomes visible and transformative when we allow it to shape our actions, not just our beliefs. As we practice showing up for others, we become a beacon of God’s love in our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. [57:08]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally “show up” for this week—through a call, a visit, or a simple act of service?
Day 5: Jesus—Our Example in Enduring and Faithful Love
At the table of communion, we remember that Jesus Himself faced trials, temptation, and suffering, yet remained faithful to God’s purposes and to us. His body was broken and His blood poured out, not in defeat, but in victorious love that overcomes all that separates us from God. No matter the state of our faith—strong or fragile—Jesus meets us in our trials, offering grace that never fails and love that never changes. As we receive from Him, we are transformed to face our own hardships with joy, knowing He is working all things together for our good. [01:04:09]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: As you remember Jesus’ endurance and love, how might you draw strength from His example to face your own challenges with hope and joy today?
Quotes
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