Embracing Trials: The Purpose Behind Our Struggles
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, New Life! Today, we delved into the profound question of "Why?"—specifically, why we face trials in our faith. It's important to understand that questioning God is not only common but also scriptural. Many biblical figures, including Moses, David, Job, and even Jesus, asked God, "Why?" This shows us that it's okay to seek answers during challenging times. Being a follower of Jesus does not exempt us from trials; in fact, trials are part of the journey. Jesus Himself said in John 16:33 that we will have many trials and sorrows in this world, but we should take heart because He has overcome the world.
Trials serve multiple purposes. First, they validate our faith, proving its authenticity. The Christian life is not a playground but a proving ground, a place where our faith is tested and our character is developed. James 1:2-4 tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because they produce endurance, making us mature and complete. Trials are not a matter of "if" but "when," and they come with the territory of being a disciple of Jesus.
Peter also reminds us not to be surprised by fiery trials, as they are a part of our journey. These trials test the condition of our hearts, revealing areas that need growth and humility. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 shows us that God led Israel through the wilderness to humble them and test their hearts. Trials remind us that God is our source, not our own self-sufficiency. They also serve as opportunities for miracles, as seen in the 40 years Israel spent in the wilderness, where their clothes and shoes did not wear out, and God provided for them in miraculous ways.
In summary, trials are a necessary part of our spiritual growth. They humble us, test our hearts, remind us of our dependence on God, and create opportunities for divine intervention. Embrace the process, for it prepares us for the promises of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Questioning God is Scriptural: Many biblical figures, including Moses, David, Job, and even Jesus, asked God, "Why?" This shows that it's okay to seek answers during challenging times. Being a follower of Jesus does not exempt us from trials; in fact, trials are part of the journey. [36:56]
2. Trials Validate Our Faith: The Christian life is not a playground but a proving ground. Trials serve to validate our faith, proving its authenticity. James 1:2-4 tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because they produce endurance, making us mature and complete. [41:37]
3. Trials Test Our Hearts: Trials reveal the condition of our hearts, showing areas that need growth and humility. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 shows us that God led Israel through the wilderness to humble them and test their hearts. This process is essential for spiritual growth. [55:50]
4. Dependence on God: Trials remind us that God is our source, not our own self-sufficiency. Deuteronomy 8:3 teaches us that God allowed Israel to go hungry to remind them that they do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. [01:02:07]
5. Opportunities for Miracles: Trials create opportunities for divine intervention. During Israel's 40 years in the wilderness, their clothes and shoes did not wear out, and God provided for them in miraculous ways. This shows that God is with us in our trials and will provide for us. [01:03:51]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:56] - Biblical Figures Questioning God
[38:50] - Trials Come with the Territory
[41:37] - Trials Validate Our Faith
[43:09] - Fiery Trials and Their Purpose
[45:05] - Embrace the Process
[46:49] - The Process Prepares Us for the Promise
[50:25] - Trials Humble Us
[55:50] - Trials Test Our Hearts
[01:02:07] - Dependence on God
[01:03:51] - Opportunities for Miracles
[01:06:17] - Altar Call and Prayer
[01:15:00] - Closing Remarks and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 16:33 (NIV) - "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."
2. James 1:2-4 (NIV) - "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."
3. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 (NIV) - "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 16:33, what does Jesus say we will experience in this world, and what encouragement does He offer? [38:50]
2. In James 1:2-4, what are the outcomes of facing trials according to James? [41:37]
3. What purpose did God have for leading the Israelites through the wilderness as described in Deuteronomy 8:2-3? [55:50]
4. How did God provide for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness, according to Deuteronomy 8:3? [01:03:51]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized that we will have trouble in this world but also encouraged us to take heart? How does this shape our understanding of trials? [38:50]
2. James tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials. What does this perspective reveal about the nature of trials and their role in our spiritual growth? [41:37]
3. How does the process of being humbled and tested in the wilderness relate to our own spiritual journeys today? What might God be trying to reveal or develop in us through our trials? [55:50]
4. The sermon mentioned that trials remind us of our dependence on God. How does this concept challenge our self-sufficiency, and why is it important for our faith? [01:02:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How did you respond to it, and what did you learn about your faith and character through that experience? [41:37]
2. Jesus said we will have trouble in this world but to take heart because He has overcome the world. How can this promise change the way you approach your current or future trials? [38:50]
3. James encourages us to consider it pure joy when we face trials. What practical steps can you take to shift your perspective and find joy in the midst of difficulties? [41:37]
4. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness was a time of humbling and testing. Are there areas in your life where you need to be humbled or tested? How can you embrace this process? [55:50]
5. Trials remind us of our dependence on God. Identify a specific area in your life where you have been relying on your own strength. How can you shift your dependence to God in that area? [01:02:07]
6. The sermon mentioned that trials create opportunities for miracles. Can you recall a time when you experienced or witnessed a miracle during a difficult season? How did it impact your faith? [01:03:51]
7. How can you support and encourage someone in your small group who is currently going through a trial? What practical actions can you take to be a source of strength and comfort for them? [01:06:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Questioning God is Scriptural
Description: Many biblical figures, including Moses, David, Job, and even Jesus, asked God, "Why?" This shows that it's okay to seek answers during challenging times. Being a follower of Jesus does not exempt us from trials; in fact, trials are part of the journey. When we face difficulties, it is natural to question and seek understanding. This process of questioning can lead to a deeper relationship with God as we seek His wisdom and guidance. Remember, Jesus Himself said in John 16:33 that we will have many trials and sorrows in this world, but we should take heart because He has overcome the world. [36:56]
Psalm 13:1-2 (ESV): "How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?"
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you have faced. How did you question God during that time, and what answers or comfort did you find in your faith journey?
Day 2: Trials Validate Our Faith
Description: The Christian life is not a playground but a proving ground. Trials serve to validate our faith, proving its authenticity. James 1:2-4 tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials because they produce endurance, making us mature and complete. Trials are not a matter of "if" but "when," and they come with the territory of being a disciple of Jesus. These challenges help us grow stronger in our faith and develop a deeper reliance on God. Embracing trials with a joyful heart can transform our perspective and lead to spiritual maturity. [41:37]
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a current or past trial. How has this experience tested and strengthened your faith? What steps can you take to embrace future trials with joy and trust in God's plan?
Day 3: Trials Test Our Hearts
Description: Trials reveal the condition of our hearts, showing areas that need growth and humility. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 shows us that God led Israel through the wilderness to humble them and test their hearts. This process is essential for spiritual growth. When we face difficulties, it exposes our true character and areas where we need to rely more on God. These moments of testing are opportunities for us to grow in humility and deepen our relationship with Him. By recognizing our weaknesses, we can seek God's strength and guidance to transform our hearts. [55:50]
Proverbs 17:3 (ESV): "The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts."
Reflection: Consider a recent trial that revealed a weakness or area of growth in your heart. How can you invite God into this area to help you grow and become more like Christ?
Day 4: Dependence on God
Description: Trials remind us that God is our source, not our own self-sufficiency. Deuteronomy 8:3 teaches us that God allowed Israel to go hungry to remind them that they do not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. When we face challenges, it is a reminder that we cannot rely solely on our own abilities and resources. Instead, we must depend on God's provision and guidance. This dependence fosters a deeper trust in God and helps us recognize His hand in every aspect of our lives. [01:02:07]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you have been relying on your own strength. How can you shift your focus to depend more on God's provision and guidance in this area?
Day 5: Opportunities for Miracles
Description: Trials create opportunities for divine intervention. During Israel's 40 years in the wilderness, their clothes and shoes did not wear out, and God provided for them in miraculous ways. This shows that God is with us in our trials and will provide for us. When we face difficulties, it is an opportunity to witness God's miraculous power and provision in our lives. These moments of divine intervention strengthen our faith and remind us of God's constant presence and care. Embrace trials as opportunities to see God's hand at work in miraculous ways. [01:03:51]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced God's miraculous provision during a trial. How did this experience strengthen your faith? How can you remain open to recognizing and embracing God's miracles in future challenges?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Christian life is not a playground. It's a proving ground. It is basic training for future reigning. If we are going to reign in heaven with Jesus, we must go through basic training so that we are ready for future reigning. Come on, somebody. Amen." [40:32] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God will take care of what you go through if you take care of how you go through it. I like that. God will take care of what you go through if you will take care of how you go through it. Amen? So the very thing that burdens us, God wants to use to bless us." [48:40] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Can I tell you, when you're in a trial, when you're in a storm, he is there with you and he will provide for you. He will pour out his blessing on you. You will see God do things that are supernatural. And I, for one, still believe in the supernatural." [01:04:33] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So God led them through something in order to make them something better so that they would inherit something better. And the process is what led them to the promise. So whatever you're going through today, I want to challenge you to lean into it. Lean into it." [01:05:35] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Be encouraged, my friend, today. Be encouraged in your trial. Be encouraged in your storm. Thank you, Father. Lord, as we prepare to walk out of this house today, we are not walking out of your presence. You are with us in our boat. You are with us in the fiery furnace." [01:13:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need to understand that being a follower of Jesus, Christ, being a committed disciple of Jesus does not exempt us from seasons of challenge and difficulty and pain. So today we're going to answer the question, why? Last week we talked about why storms, and we looked at three different storms in the Bible. Today we're going to talk about why the trials of our faith." [36:56] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "James didn't say if you have a trial, perhaps you may have a trial. One day something may pop up in your life. No, he emphatically said when it happens, it's guaranteed. It comes with the territory. So we shouldn't be shocked in our life when we hit bumpy weather." [41:37] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The process involves difficulty and we must feel the pressure, and experience the struggle, but they are our teacher and our friend. Anybody ever go to school? Did the teacher put pressure on you? Did the teacher test you? Huh? Did you look forward to those tests? Oh, you smart kids did. But kids like me didn't look forward to the test." [48:40] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The second reason is that trials test the condition of our heart. They test the condition of our heart. Verse number 2, chapter 8. God testing you to know what was in your heart. Whether you would keep my commandments or not. God said you had to be tested. I allowed you. To go into the wilderness. And when you began to rebel, you stayed in the wilderness because you had to have your heart tested." [55:50] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So when we ask why, it's because maybe we need to be humbled. Maybe there's something in our heart that God wants to get out of our heart. Or correct that's only going to hurt us in the long run. Or just to remind us that God is our source. That we are not self-sufficient. Amen?" [01:03:02] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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