Finding Hope and Purpose Amidst Life's Trials

Devotional

Day 1: Trials Are Normal for Followers of Jesus

Followers of Jesus should expect trials and pushback as a normal part of their faith journey, not as something strange or unexpected. When you choose to live boldly for Christ, you will often find yourself going against the current of the world, experiencing resistance and challenges that test your convictions. This is not a sign that you are doing something wrong, but rather an indication that your faith is real and active. The world is broken, and living out your faith effectively will sometimes put you in the crosshairs of opposition, but you are not alone—God is with you in every trial. [40:22]

1 Peter 4:12 (ESV)
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you."

Reflection: When have you felt resistance or pushback because of your faith? How did you respond, and what might it look like to embrace those moments as a normal part of following Jesus?

Day 2: Trials Bring Spiritual Growth and New Life

God uses the trials and pushback we face to create fertile ground for spiritual growth, much like new life that springs up after a forest fire. In the midst of devastation and hardship, God is at work, producing resilience, deeper faith, and a renewed sense of purpose in those who trust Him. The challenges you face are not wasted; they are opportunities for God to reveal His glory in your life and to solidify your beliefs, making your faith more genuine and alive. [46:58]

1 Peter 4:13 (ESV)
"But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Reflection: Think of a recent trial or hardship you’ve faced. In what ways have you seen God use that experience to grow your faith or change your perspective?

Day 3: There Is Blessing in Bearing the Name of Christ

When you are insulted or face opposition because you bear the name of Christ, you are promised a unique blessing—the presence and power of the Holy Spirit resting upon you. This blessing may not always be material, but it is always spiritual: a deeper sense of God’s presence, unexpected boldness, love, grace, and fulfillment that cannot be found elsewhere. Even in the midst of difficulty, God pours out His Spirit in greater measure, equipping you to endure and thrive. [51:55]

1 Peter 4:14 (ESV)
"If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you."

Reflection: Recall a time when you felt God’s presence or strength in a difficult moment because of your faith. How did that experience shape your understanding of blessing?

Day 4: God Brings Purpose Out of Chaos and Suffering

God does not cause evil or suffering, but He is able to use even the most chaotic and painful events for a greater purpose in your life and in the world. When tragedy strikes or when you witness brokenness around you, it can be a moment that draws you closer to God, helps you value what truly matters, and opens your heart to His calling. Nothing is wasted in God’s hands; He is big enough and personal enough to bring good out of every situation, inviting you to trust Him with your story. [58:16]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

Reflection: What is one area of pain or confusion in your life right now? How might you invite God to bring purpose and hope into that situation?

Day 5: Following Jesus Requires Boldness and Brings Fulfillment

Choosing to follow Jesus is a bold step that may cost you, but it leads to true fulfillment and eternal hope. The world offers many solutions that ultimately fall short, but surrendering your life to Christ brings a sense of joy, peace, and purpose that nothing else can provide. This is your invitation to take a courageous step of faith, trusting that Jesus has overcome the world and offers you both His presence now and the promise of eternity with Him. [01:03:53]

John 16:33 (ESV)
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Reflection: Is there a bold step of faith you sense God inviting you to take today? What would it look like to say “yes” to Jesus, even if it costs you?

Sermon Summary

In a world that often feels overwhelmingly broken, it’s easy to wonder about our purpose and how to respond to the chaos around us. Recent tragedies—an assassination, a stabbing, a school shooting—remind us of the deep evil present in our world. Yet, these moments also serve as a stark reminder that the life of faith is not lived in comfort or ease, but often in tension with the world’s values. The call to follow Jesus is a call to live differently, to row against the current, and to expect resistance. This resistance is not a sign of failure, but rather a confirmation that the way of Jesus stands in contrast to the world.

Peter’s words to early Christians, who faced persecution despite their peacefulness, normalize the reality of trials for those who follow Christ. Bold, effective faith will inevitably draw opposition, not because of politics or personality, but because the message and life of Jesus are fundamentally at odds with the world’s systems. Yet, in the midst of this, there is hope—a hope that is not naive or escapist, but rooted in the reality that Jesus has overcome the world. He promised trouble, but also victory.

Trials, while painful, are not wasted. Like a forest fire that devastates but also fertilizes the ground for new growth, spiritual pushback creates fertile soil for deeper faith and transformation. History shows that seasons of hardship often precede spiritual renewal, especially among the next generation. The blessing that comes from enduring for Christ is not always material, but is always spiritual—a deeper experience of God’s presence, love, and fulfillment through the Holy Spirit.

God does not cause evil, but He is able to bring purpose from pain. The tragedies that shake us can also awaken us to what matters most, drawing us to reflect, to value our loved ones, and to consider our own relationship with God. In these moments, the invitation is clear: to step forward in bold faith, knowing it will cost us, but trusting that Jesus has already overcome the world and offers us both present and eternal hope.

Key Takeaways

1. Bold, effective faith will inevitably encounter resistance because the way of Jesus is fundamentally countercultural. The more our lives reflect Christ, the more we may find ourselves in the crosshairs of opposition—not for being political or abrasive, but for being effective in living out the gospel. This is not a sign to shrink back, but a call to press on with courage and conviction. [37:35]
2. Trials and pushback are not just obstacles; they are opportunities for spiritual growth. Like a forest fire that clears the way for new life, adversity in the life of faith creates fertile ground for transformation, clarity, and deeper dependence on God. The discomfort of resistance can solidify our beliefs and produce a harvest of spiritual maturity. [48:02]
3. The blessing promised to those who endure for Christ is primarily spiritual—a greater impartation of the Holy Spirit, marked by increased grace, love, boldness, and fulfillment. Material blessings may come or go, but the true gift is God’s presence, which sustains and empowers us through every trial. This presence is often most tangible when we are most in need. [54:50]
4. God brings purpose out of pain, using even the darkest moments to draw people to Himself and to awaken hearts to what truly matters. He does not cause evil, but He is sovereign enough to redeem it, turning tragedy into an invitation for reflection, repentance, and renewed faith. Our suffering is not wasted; it can become the very soil in which hope and purpose take root. [58:16]
5. The invitation to follow Jesus is a call to boldness and surrender, knowing that it will cost us, but also trusting that it leads to true fulfillment and eternal life. In moments of crisis, God often stirs hearts to respond, offering a hope that is deeper than circumstances and a joy that endures beyond the world’s troubles. Choosing Christ is not the easy path, but it is the one that leads to life. [63:53]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Wrestling with a Broken World
[02:30] - Processing Recent Tragedies
[05:10] - Why Effective Faith Faces Opposition
[08:00] - The Countercultural Call of Jesus
[10:15] - Hope in the Midst of Chaos
[13:00] - 1 Peter: Trials as a Normal Part of Faith
[16:00] - The Spiritual Reality Behind Physical Events
[19:00] - Jesus’ Example: Peaceful Rebellion
[22:00] - Rowing Against the Current
[25:00] - Trials as Fertile Ground for Growth
[28:00] - Spiritual Renewal in Hard Times
[31:00] - Blessing in the Midst of Persecution
[34:00] - The Holy Spirit’s Presence in Trials
[37:00] - God’s Purpose in Our Pain
[40:00] - Responding to God’s Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 4:12-14, 17 (ESV) — 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

John 16:33 (ESV) — I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 4:12, what attitude does Peter say Christians should have toward trials and suffering?
In the sermon, what examples were given of recent tragedies that highlight the brokenness of the world? ([35:28])
What does Jesus promise his followers in John 16:33 about trouble in the world, and what encouragement does he give?
What does Peter say is the blessing for those who are insulted because they bear the name of Christ? ([51:55])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Peter tell believers not to be surprised by suffering and trials? What does this reveal about the normal Christian experience? ([40:22])
The sermon compares trials to a forest fire that creates fertile ground for new growth. In what ways can adversity lead to spiritual growth and transformation? ([48:02])
The pastor said that bold, effective faith will inevitably encounter resistance. Why is this the case, according to both the Bible and the sermon? ([37:35])
How does the presence of the Holy Spirit become more tangible or real during times of trial, according to the sermon and 1 Peter 4:14? ([54:50])

Application Questions

The sermon said that following Jesus means “rowing against the current” and expecting resistance. Can you think of a time when living out your faith put you at odds with the values or expectations of those around you? How did you respond? ([45:11])
When you face pushback or trials because of your faith, do you tend to see them as obstacles or as opportunities for growth? What would it look like to view them as “fertile ground” for spiritual maturity? ([48:02])
The pastor shared that the blessing promised to those who endure for Christ is primarily spiritual—a deeper experience of God’s presence, love, and fulfillment. Have you ever experienced God’s presence more deeply during a hard season? What was that like? ([54:50])
The sermon emphasized that God does not cause evil, but He can bring purpose out of pain. Is there a painful or difficult situation in your life that God might be using to draw you closer to Him or to awaken you to what matters most? ([58:16])
The pastor asked, “Is a bold faith that costs you worth it?” What are some things you might risk or lose by following Jesus boldly? What are some things you might gain? ([46:00])
The message ended with an invitation to step forward in bold faith, even though it will cost us. What is one specific step of boldness or surrender you feel God might be inviting you to take right now? ([01:03:53])
After hearing about the spiritual renewal happening among younger generations during hard times, how can you encourage or support someone younger in their faith journey this week? ([49:33])

Sermon Clips

The more I read the Bible, the more I'm offended in my own right, in my own humanity, because Jesus calls us to live a completely opposite life than the life that the world is around us. And if I become more bold or what I would say more effective for me as a follower of Jesus sharing my faith, I am more in the crosshairs of the enemy. [00:38:15] (30 seconds)

Is a bold faith that costs you worth it? If you are wrestling with your own faith today, and maybe you've made a decision to follow Jesus, if it costs you immensely, would it be worth it for you to continue to follow Jesus? [00:46:21] (22 seconds)

Trials bring actually new life. In fact, what the Bible is saying is like, when you experience pushback and pressure, if you choose a faith and a life with Jesus, you're going to see things differently. And in fact, it like solidifies your own belief system. [00:46:59] (17 seconds)

So what the scriptures are saying here is that when you choose to follow Jesus, it actually says there's more of the Holy Spirit that's given to you when trials and persecution happens. Might I say there's a greater impartation of the Holy Spirit. [00:55:00] (18 seconds)

The Holy Spirit gives us fulfillment. And I think that's the greatest thing you experience when you choose to give your life to Christ. And maybe today you are here because nothing else has worked. Right? This world gives us a lot of different programs and ways for us to fix ourselves. But at the end of the day, it doesn't work. [00:56:43] (31 seconds)

God is real, and he really, really loves you. He died for this world because it is broken. There's a real blessing that happens when you follow Jesus. The blessing in this life, in the moment where you're really filled with the Holy Spirit, and things inside of us change. [01:00:21] (29 seconds)

I want to give you the same opportunity, and this opportunity is to put Jesus first, and man, I got to tell you too, it will cost you. In this world, there will be trouble, but take heart because Jesus has overcome the world. [01:02:44] (26 seconds)

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