Finding Joy and Growth in Life's Trials
Summary
Life is often lived “in the middle seat”—that uncomfortable, in-between place where we feel squeezed by circumstances, unable to lean left or right, and forced to face the reality of our trials. The book of James, which is sometimes called the Proverbs of the New Testament, speaks directly to this experience. James doesn’t sugarcoat the Christian life; instead, he calls us to a faith that is lived out, not just believed. He challenges us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials of many kinds, not because the pain is pleasant, but because God is at work in the midst of it, producing perseverance, maturity, and a deeper dependence on Him.
Problems are not optional electives in life; they are a required course. Whether we are entering a problem, in the middle of one, or just coming out, trials are a universal part of the human experience. They are unpredictable, often arriving without warning and in a variety of forms—financial, relational, emotional, or physical. Yet, James teaches that these trials are not wasted. God uses them to purify our faith, develop our patience, and shape our character to be more like Jesus. Just as gold is refined by fire, our faith is refined through adversity, revealing and removing impurities we didn’t know were there.
The way we respond to trials is crucial. We are called to rejoice—not to fake happiness or deny reality, but to choose an attitude of trust and gratitude in the midst of difficulty. This is not about positive thinking, but about real faith that believes God is working for our good, even when we cannot see it. Our attitude can either make us bitter or better, and it is often in the hardest moments that God does His deepest work in us.
In addition to rejoicing, we are called to pray for wisdom, seeking God’s guidance rather than relying on our own understanding. Sometimes God gives us answers through instruction, but if we ignore His voice, we may have to learn through experience. Ultimately, we must rely on God, trusting that He is faithful and that He can be trusted with our pain, our questions, and our future. The testimonies of those who have walked through deep valleys and come out stronger on the other side remind us that Jesus is worth it, and that nothing is wasted in His hands.
Key Takeaways
- Trials Are the Crucible of Maturity
Life’s problems are not random interruptions but the very context in which God matures us. The “middle seat” moments—when we feel stuck and pressed on every side—are where faith is proven genuine. Rather than seeking escape, we are invited to see these seasons as opportunities for God to deepen our character and reliance on Him. [10:53]
- The Purpose in Pain: Refinement, Not Punishment
God does not waste our suffering. Like gold refined by fire, our faith is purified through adversity, exposing hidden impurities and teaching us endurance. The pain is not a sign of God’s absence, but of His commitment to shape us into the likeness of Christ, removing what hinders our growth and witness. [25:32]
- Attitude Is a Spiritual Battleground
We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can choose our response. Rejoicing in trials is not denial, but a deliberate act of faith that trusts God’s goodness and sovereignty. Our attitude—whether of gratitude or bitterness—determines whether we are shaped by our problems or shattered by them. [34:59]
- Prayer Is the Pathway to Wisdom
When we lack understanding in the midst of trials, God invites us to ask Him for wisdom. Prayer is not just a last resort, but the means by which we receive divine perspective and strength. Sometimes God answers through instruction, but if we refuse to listen, He will teach us through experience—so let us seek His counsel first. [43:53]
- Trusting God with the Unexplainable
Some suffering defies explanation, yet even in the most traumatic circumstances, God can bring redemption and new life. The story of Lyanna, who found purpose and healing through unimaginable pain, reminds us that God can transform our deepest wounds into testimonies of His grace. Trusting God does not mean we understand everything, but that we believe nothing is wasted in His hands. [42:38]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:33] - Series Introduction: Lock In
[01:13] - The Book of James: Wisdom for Today
[03:11] - Maturity and Real Faith
[04:30] - Joy in Trials: James 1:2-4
[06:25] - Airplane Stories: The Middle Seat
[10:53] - Living Faith in the Middle
[12:46] - Don’t Waste Your Pain
[14:37] - Tested Faith Is Trustworthy
[17:48] - Four Things to Know About Problems
[19:48] - Problems Are Unpredictable
[23:02] - Problems Come in Many Kinds
[24:59] - The Purpose of Problems
[32:29] - How to Profit from Problems: Rejoice
[36:17] - Attitude and the Power of Choice
[37:36] - Lyanna’s Story: Finding Joy in Suffering
[43:14] - Prayer and Wisdom in Trials
[44:31] - Trusting God Through It All
[45:49] - Closing and Next Steps
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Life in the Middle Seat” (James 1:2-4 and Related Passages)
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### Bible Reading
James 1:2-4 (ESV)
> 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.
Romans 8:28-29 (ESV)
> 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
> 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
> 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to James 1:2-4, what is the purpose behind the trials and testing of our faith?
2. The sermon compared life’s problems to sitting in the “middle seat” on an airplane. What does this analogy help us understand about the Christian experience? [[10:53]]
3. In Romans 8:28-29, what does Paul say is God’s ultimate goal for us through all things, including suffering?
4. What does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 command us to do in every circumstance, and how is this different from pretending to be happy? [[33:46]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think James tells us to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials, instead of just telling us to endure them? What does this reveal about God’s perspective on suffering? [[04:30]]
2. The sermon said, “A faith that is not tested cannot be trusted.” How does going through hard times reveal the true state of our faith? [[15:16]]
3. The story of Lyanna was shared as an example of finding purpose in pain. What does her story teach us about God’s ability to redeem even the most traumatic circumstances? [[42:38]]
4. The sermon mentioned that our attitude is a “spiritual battleground.” How can our response to trials either make us “bitter or better”? [[34:59]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about a recent “middle seat” moment in your life—a time when you felt squeezed by circumstances. How did you respond? Looking back, would you respond differently now after hearing this message? [[10:53]]
2. The sermon said, “Problems are not optional electives in life; they are a required course.” How does this truth change the way you view your current struggles? [[19:12]]
3. James calls us to “rejoice” in trials—not to fake happiness, but to choose trust and gratitude. What is one practical way you can express gratitude to God in the middle of a difficult situation this week? [[33:46]]
4. The message challenged us to pray for wisdom instead of just asking for the problem to go away. Is there a specific trial where you need to ask God for wisdom right now? What would it look like to seek His guidance first, before acting on your own understanding? [[43:53]]
5. The story of Lyanna showed that God can bring purpose and healing out of deep pain. Is there a painful experience in your past that you still struggle to see any good in? How might God want to use that experience for your growth or to help others? [[42:38]]
6. The sermon said, “Our attitude can either make us bitter or better.” What is one attitude shift you need to make in response to a current problem? How can the group pray for you in this area? [[34:59]]
7. The message talked about not wasting our pain, but letting God use it to refine us. What is one step you can take this week to cooperate with God’s refining process, instead of resisting it? [[12:46]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to share one area where they want to trust God more in the “middle seat” and pray for each other to experience God’s wisdom, joy, and refining work in their trials.
Devotional
Day 1: Rejoicing in the Middle of Trials
When you find yourself in the “middle seat” of life—pressed by problems, adversity, and unexpected challenges—God calls you not to ignore the pain, but to choose joy in the midst of it. This isn’t about pretending everything is fine or denying reality, but about locking in to the truth that God is working through your trials to produce something good in you. Your attitude in these moments matters; you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can choose how you respond. Even when life feels overwhelming, you can trust that God is faithful and that He will use every circumstance to shape you for His purpose. [12:07]
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: What is one current trial or “middle seat” situation in your life where you can choose to rejoice and trust God’s purpose, even if you don’t understand it yet?
Day 2: Problems Are a Part of Life
Problems are not optional electives in life; they are a required course for everyone. Whether you are entering a problem, in the middle of one, or coming out of one, challenges are inevitable and often unpredictable. The Bible reminds us not to be surprised by fiery ordeals, but to recognize that trials are a normal part of the Christian journey. Instead of being caught off guard or discouraged, you can prepare your heart to respond with faith, knowing that God is with you in every season. [18:30]
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: Think back to a recent unexpected problem—how did you react, and how might you respond differently next time, knowing that trials are a normal part of following Jesus?
Day 3: Trials Purify and Mature Our Faith
God uses the heat of trials to purify your faith, much like a goldsmith refines gold by fire. The testing you experience is not meant to destroy you, but to reveal and remove impurities, develop patience, and shape your character to be more like Jesus. Through endurance and perseverance, you grow in maturity, learning to trust God more deeply and reflect His heart. Every challenge is an opportunity for God to mold you, making you complete and lacking nothing as you become more like Christ. [25:32]
Romans 8:28-29 (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. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
Reflection: What is one area of your character that God might be refining through your current struggles, and how can you cooperate with His work in you?
Day 4: Responding with Prayer and Dependence on God
When you face problems, your first response should be to pray and seek God’s wisdom. Instead of relying on your own understanding or trying to fix things in your own strength, bring your needs to God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. Sometimes God gives clear answers, and other times He uses the process to teach you deeper trust and dependence. In every situation, prayer is your lifeline, connecting you to the One who knows the way through every trial. [43:53]
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 specific situation where you need God’s wisdom right now? Take a moment to pray and ask Him for guidance before taking your next step.
Day 5: Choosing Gratitude and a Godly Attitude
In every circumstance—not for every circumstance—you are called to give thanks. Gratitude is a powerful choice that shifts your focus from the problem to the God who is bigger than any problem. Your attitude can either make you bitter or better, and choosing to bless the Lord at all times opens the door for His peace and strength to fill your heart. Even when you don’t feel like it, praising God in the midst of trouble is an act of faith that honors Him and transforms you from the inside out. [35:36]
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Reflection: What is one difficult situation where you can intentionally thank God today, trusting that He is working for your good even when you can’t see it?
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