Finding Joy and Strength in Life's Journey

Summary

Life is often compared to a road trip—full of unexpected turns, delays, and moments when we wonder if we’ll ever reach our destination. As we enter this season, many of us are literally on the road, but all of us are on a journey of some kind. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or simply the daily grind, we all encounter moments when the journey feels long and the obstacles seem overwhelming. The question isn’t whether we’ll face challenges, but how we’ll respond when we do.

Reflecting on my own experiences—cramped vans, family traditions, and the chaos of traveling with kids—I see how these road trips mirror the journey of life. There are moments of joy and laughter, but also times when we’re tempted to turn back or give up. The same is true in our spiritual walk. We have dreams and destinations in mind, but the path is often marked by trials: health scares, job loss, relationship struggles, and unexpected detours.

James, the brother of Jesus, wrote to believers who were scattered and suffering, urging them to “consider it pure joy” when they faced various trials. This isn’t a call to fake happiness or ignore pain. Joy, unlike happiness, isn’t rooted in circumstances but is a gift from God—a fruit of the Spirit that sustains us even when life is hard. James reminds us that these trials are not pointless; they are opportunities for our faith to be tested and our endurance to grow. Just as carrying heavy luggage builds physical strength, carrying the burdens of life can build spiritual endurance.

Endurance isn’t about gritting our teeth and trying harder. It’s about allowing God to use our struggles to mature us, to make us more complete, and sometimes to equip us to help others who will walk similar paths. The discomfort we feel is real, but it’s also purposeful. God is developing in us qualities like patience, humility, and joy—not just for our own sake, but so we can be a blessing to others.

When we hit hazards on the road—whether a blown tire or a broken heart—the call is to keep moving forward. Sometimes God will remove the obstacle, but often He uses it to shape us. And the good news is, we don’t endure alone. Jesus has already endured the cross for us, and His strength becomes ours when we trust Him. So whatever you’re carrying today, know that God is with you, using every step of the journey to grow you and prepare you for what’s ahead.

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Key Takeaways

- Joy in Trials Is a Choice Rooted in Faith, Not Circumstance
James challenges us to “consider it pure joy” when we face various trials, not because the trials themselves are pleasant, but because they are opportunities for God to work in us. Joy is distinct from happiness; it’s not about feeling good, but about trusting that God is present and purposeful in our pain. This perspective requires faith that God is using even the hardest moments for our good. [13:00]

- Endurance Is Built by Carrying, Not Escaping, Our Burdens
Just as carrying heavy luggage strengthens our bodies, carrying the burdens of life—whether they are big or small—builds spiritual endurance. The natural desire is to set down what’s heavy, but God often calls us to sit under the weight for a season so that we can be strengthened and matured. Looking back, we often realize that what once seemed unbearable has made us more resilient for the future. [21:24]

- God Uses Our Struggles to Mature Us and Bless Others
The trials we endure are not just for our own growth; they often prepare us to help others who will face similar challenges. Maturity in Christ means recognizing that our pain can become a source of comfort and wisdom for someone else. Sometimes, the very thing we wish we could escape is what God will use to make us a blessing to others down the road. [27:22]

- Moving Forward Through Hazards Is an Act of Trust
When we encounter hazards—unexpected setbacks, disappointments, or pain—we have a choice: to become bitter and stuck, or to keep moving forward, trusting that God is at work. Sometimes the journey is extended, plans are disrupted, and we’re forced to slow down, but these moments can become opportunities for deeper connection with God and with those around us. [32:52]

- Our Endurance Flows from Christ’s Endurance, Not Our Own Effort
The call to endure is not a call to self-reliance or to simply “try harder.” Jesus has already endured the cross for us, and when we put our faith in Him, His endurance becomes our strength. We are invited to rest in His finished work, trusting that He is with us in every trial and will give us the strength to keep going. [36:47]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introducing the Road Trip Series
[02:30] - Personal Road Trip Stories
[04:49] - Lessons from Family Road Trips
[07:03] - Life’s Journey and Its Challenges
[08:31] - How Do We Keep Going?
[10:13] - James: The Brother of Jesus
[13:00] - Joy in the Midst of Trials
[16:57] - The Variety of Trials We Face
[18:31] - Carrying Our Burdens Builds Endurance
[21:24] - Looking Back: Strength from Past Trials
[22:24] - Building Endurance: The Running Analogy
[26:04] - Pushing Past Discomfort
[27:22] - Letting Endurance Have Its Full Effect
[30:24] - Hazards on the Road: A Family Story
[32:52] - Choosing to Move Forward
[33:55] - Personal Struggles and God’s Growth
[35:08] - The Fruit of the Spirit in Our Trials
[36:47] - Christ’s Endurance Is Our Strength
[37:54] - Prayer for Strength and Endurance

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Finding Joy in the Journey

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### Bible Reading

- James 1:1-4
"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 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 endurance. Let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."

- Galatians 5:22-23
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."

- Hebrews 12:2
"For the joy set before him, Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

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### Observation Questions

1. According to James 1:2-4, what does James say is the purpose of facing various trials?
*(see [13:00])*

2. In the sermon, what are some examples of “trials” or “burdens” that people might carry on their life journey?
*(see [07:03])*

3. What is the difference between “joy” and “happiness” as described in the sermon?
*(see [13:00])*

4. What does the “fruit of the Spirit” include, according to Galatians 5:22-23?
*(see [35:08])*

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think James tells believers to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials, instead of just telling them to endure or survive them?
*(see [13:00])*

2. The sermon compares carrying heavy luggage to carrying life’s burdens. How does this analogy help us understand what it means to “let endurance have its full effect”?
*(see [18:31])*

3. According to the sermon, how can the trials we go through end up being a blessing to others, not just ourselves?
*(see [27:22])*

4. The pastor said that our endurance comes from Jesus’ endurance, not just our own effort. What does it look like to rely on Jesus’ strength instead of just “trying harder”?
*(see [36:47])*

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a recent or current “road hazard” or trial in your life. What has been your natural response—do you want to turn back, give up, or keep moving forward? What would it look like to “keep driving forward” in this situation?
*(see [32:52])*

2. The sermon said that joy is a gift from God, not just a feeling based on circumstances. Is there a situation right now where you need to ask God for joy, even if you don’t feel happy? What would it look like to do that this week?
*(see [13:00])*

3. The pastor shared that sometimes the things we carry are meant to help us bless others later. Can you think of a time when something hard you went through helped you encourage or support someone else? Is there someone in your life now who might need your story or support?
*(see [27:22])*

4. Looking at the list of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which one do you sense God is trying to grow in you through your current struggles? What is one practical step you can take this week to cooperate with God in that area?
*(see [35:08])*

5. The sermon talked about not just “trying harder” but relying on Jesus’ endurance. Is there an area where you’ve been trying to push through on your own strength? What would it look like to invite Jesus into that struggle and trust Him for strength?
*(see [36:47])*

6. The pastor mentioned that sometimes we want to set down our burdens, but God asks us to “sit under the weight” for a season. Is there a burden you’re carrying that you wish you could set down? How might God be using it to build your endurance or character?
*(see [18:31])*

7. When you face unexpected delays or detours in life, do you see them as obstacles or as opportunities for growth? How can you remind yourself to look for God’s purpose in these moments this week?
*(see [30:24])*

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, asking God for strength, endurance, and joy in whatever trials they are facing. Pray specifically for the fruit of the Spirit to grow in each person’s life.

Devotional

Day 1: Finding Joy in Trials

James encourages believers to consider it pure joy when facing various trials, not because the trials themselves are pleasant, but because God uses them to strengthen and mature us. Life is full of unexpected challenges—health crises, job loss, relationship struggles, and more—that can make us want to give up or turn back. Yet, in the midst of these difficulties, we are invited to see them as opportunities for God to work in us, building endurance and shaping our character. Joy is not the same as happiness; it is a deep, abiding gift from God that is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with Jesus. When we face trials, we can trust that God is using them for our good, even when it doesn’t feel that way in the moment. [13:00]

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 trial you are currently facing, and how might you begin to see it as an opportunity for God to grow you rather than just something to escape?


Day 2: Endurance Through the Weight We Carry

The burdens we carry in life—whether big or small—can feel overwhelming, but as we continue to carry them, God is building our endurance. Just as carrying a heavy suitcase strengthens your grip over time, the trials and challenges you face are strengthening your faith and resilience. Looking back, you may realize that what once seemed impossible is now something you can handle with greater ease. God is not wasting your pain; He is using it to prepare you for what’s ahead and to help others who may walk a similar path. Instead of wishing to set down your burdens immediately, consider how God might be using them to make you stronger and more mature. [21:24]

James 1:12 (ESV)
"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."

Reflection: Think of a past difficulty that once felt unbearable—how has God used that experience to strengthen you or equip you to help someone else?


Day 3: Keep Moving Forward When Hazards Arise

When you encounter hazards on your journey—unexpected setbacks, disappointments, or obstacles—you have a choice: to become frustrated and stuck, or to keep moving forward, trusting that God is at work. Even when plans are derailed and you feel stranded, these moments can become opportunities for growth, deeper relationships, and new memories. God may not always remove the obstacle right away, but He promises to be with you and to use every detour for your good. The key is to keep driving forward, allowing God to shape you through the process rather than giving in to discouragement or the desire to quit. [32:52]

Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel tempted to give up or turn back, and what would it look like to keep moving forward with God’s help today?


Day 4: God’s Purpose in Your Endurance

God is not only growing you for your own sake, but often so you can be a blessing to others. The endurance and maturity developed through your trials may be exactly what someone else needs in their own journey. Sometimes, the things you wish you could set down are the very things God will use to help you walk alongside someone else in the future. As you let endurance have its full effect, you become more complete, equipped to serve and encourage others who are carrying similar burdens. Trust that your journey has a purpose beyond yourself, and that God is weaving your story into the lives of others for His glory. [27:22]

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: Who in your life might benefit from the lessons and strength you’ve gained through your own struggles, and how can you reach out to encourage them this week?


Day 5: Jesus Endured for You

While we are called to endure, the good news is that Jesus has already endured the greatest trial on our behalf. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, and now His endurance becomes our strength. We don’t have to rely on our own willpower to keep going; instead, we can look to Jesus, trusting that He is with us and that His victory is ours. When you feel exhausted or overwhelmed, remember that you are not alone—Jesus stands beside you, offering His strength, comfort, and presence. Let your faith rest in the One who has already overcome, and draw on His endurance as you continue your journey. [36:47]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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: In what area of your life do you need to stop striving in your own strength and instead look to Jesus, trusting Him to provide the endurance you need?

Quotes

James did not initially believe, and neither did his siblings. They did not believe that Jesus was God. They did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, that he was their savior. They didn't believe any of that. They in fact thought that Jesus was crazy, that he was kind of self -centered a little bit. That's what they thought. And then they saw their brother Jesus crucified on a cross, and then they saw him alive. And at that point, they discovered, oh, hey, he really is the Messiah. [00:10:07] (00:00:32 seconds)  #FromDoubtToFaith Edit Clip

And whatever it is that you are carrying in your life, whether it's a big thing like this or a smaller thing like this, perhaps whatever it is that you're carrying feels way bigger than this. But as you are carrying it, whether that's unemployment, a faith crisis, maybe it's a parenting challenge, whatever it is that you're carrying, whatever you're carrying in your life, as you carry that, it is giving you strength. [00:20:19] (00:00:26 seconds)  #OpportunityInAdversity Edit Clip

And we have an opportunity when that happens, when we're dealing with those things, we have an opportunity to go, okay, God, I see that. Like, I see that you are using this thing to build me, to grow me, to make me stronger, to build up my endurance. [00:22:08] (00:00:17 seconds)  #EnduranceInJesus Edit Clip

God wants to use whatever it is that you are carrying to mature you, to develop you, to strengthen you. And by the way, sometimes those things that you're enduring, sometimes the things that you are going through aren't even necessarily to benefit you. They're to benefit somebody else. They're there to... They're there to... They're there to...to grow you so that you can be a blessing down the road to somebody else who might be carrying the exact same luggage that you've carried now you can help them by helping like walk them through that exact same thing because you've been through it that's part of maturity that's part of growth. [00:27:58] (00:00:36 seconds) Edit Clip

Whatever it is that you're walking through, you have an opportunity. You can either say, like, rather than go, I need to get out of this thing, or I need to fix this thing. I need to get out of this marriage. I need to get out of this relationship. I need to get out of this job. This is painful. I don't like this. You have an opportunity to either be in this mindset of, I'm upset that I have to deal with this. I'm upset that I even have to walk through this anymore. Or you can choose to drive forward, to keep moving, to see it as an opportunity for maturity and growth. [00:32:52] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

Every single one of us, we're all carrying something in our lives. Every single one of us are carrying something. I would be willing to, to guess with confidence that one of the things on this list right here, one of these things is something that God is trying to develop in you through whatever it is that you're carrying. And guess what? Guess what? That's good news. It means that God is growing you. And the reason that God is growing you is because he has a purpose for you and he has a destination in mind for you. [00:35:29] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

The author of Hebrews, who many people believe also to be the Apostle Paul, the author of Hebrews, whoever it is, tells us that for the joy, think about this, for the joy set before Jesus, for the joy set before Jesus, he endured the cross. And when you accept the invite to follow Jesus with your life, his endurance becomes your endurance. You don't have to try harder. You just have to put that faith, that trust in the one who already endured. You just have to look to the one who already endured for you and for me. It's in Jesus. [00:36:49] (00:00:45 seconds) Edit Clip