Finding Joy in Trials Through Faith and Surrender
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound theme of finding joy amidst trials, continuing our series "Joy in a Joyless World." We live in a culture that often glorifies victimhood, but as Christians, we are called to endure trials to glorify God, not ourselves. We heard the powerful testimony of Bob Hainley, who miraculously survived a near-drowning incident. Bob's story is a testament to the power of prayer and God's intervention. Despite facing a life-threatening situation, Bob and his family found peace and joy through their faith, showing us that trials can be transformative when we trust in God.
Our scripture focus was James 1:2-12, which teaches us to "count it all joy" when we face various trials. Trials test our faith and produce patience, leading to spiritual maturity. James, the half-brother of Jesus, exemplified humility and servitude, teaching us that our outlook determines our outcome and our attitude determines our actions. We must evaluate our trials through the lens of what God is doing in and through us.
To find joy in trials, we need three key elements: a mind that understands trials, an attitude of surrender, and a prayer for wisdom. Understanding that trials are for our benefit and not against us helps us maintain a positive outlook. Surrendering to God's will allows Him to work through us, building our character. Finally, praying for wisdom equips us to navigate our trials effectively, bringing glory to God and joy to our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Trials: Trials are not meant to break us but to build us. They test our faith and produce patience, leading to spiritual maturity. Recognizing that trials are for our benefit and not against us helps us maintain a positive outlook and find joy even in difficult circumstances. [22:48]
2. Attitude of Surrender: Surrendering to God's will is crucial for finding joy in trials. When we allow God to work through us, He builds our character and matures our faith. Resisting God's work leads to misery, but surrender brings growth and joy. [28:38]
3. Prayer for Wisdom: Praying for wisdom is essential when facing trials. Wisdom helps us understand how to use our circumstances for God's glory. Solomon's example shows that asking for wisdom leads to greater blessings and a deeper understanding of God's will. [36:22]
4. Outlook Determines Outcome: Our perspective on trials significantly impacts our experience. A positive outlook, rooted in faith, leads to positive outcomes. Our attitude determines our actions, and a joyful attitude in trials glorifies God and brings us peace. [15:37]
5. Values Determine Evaluations: What we value shapes how we evaluate our trials. Jesus valued our salvation more than the pain of the cross, finding joy in His sacrifice. Similarly, when we value spiritual growth and God's glory, we can find joy in our trials. [21:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:45] - Introduction to Joy in Trials
[01:16] - Victimhood Culture vs. Christian Endurance
[02:57] - Bob Hainley's Testimony
[06:03] - The Miracle of Prayer
[08:52] - Scripture Reading: James 1:2-12
[10:04] - Joy in Trials: Biblical Perspective
[12:39] - The Humility of James
[14:51] - Outlook Determines Outcome
[16:54] - Trials Reveal Our True Character
[19:28] - Evaluating Our Trials
[21:13] - Values Determine Evaluations
[22:48] - Understanding Trials
[28:38] - Attitude of Surrender
[36:22] - Prayer for Wisdom
[39:21] - Formula for Joy in Trials
[40:50] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[42:13] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 1:2-12
2. Isaiah 41:10, 13
3. Hebrews 12:2
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 1:2-4, what is the purpose of trials in a believer's life?
2. How did Bob Hainley and his family find peace and joy during his near-drowning incident? [02:57]
3. What does Isaiah 41:10, 13 promise to those who are facing trials?
4. How does Hebrews 12:2 describe Jesus' attitude towards the cross, and what does this teach us about facing our own trials?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James encourage believers to "count it all joy" when facing trials? How does this perspective differ from a victim mentality? [01:16]
2. How can surrendering to God's will during trials lead to spiritual growth and maturity? [28:38]
3. What role does prayer for wisdom play in navigating trials, according to James 1:5-8? How does this compare to Solomon's request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9? [36:22]
4. How does the story of Bob Hainley illustrate the concept that our outlook determines our outcome and our attitude determines our actions? [16:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. How did your perspective on the trial affect your experience and outcome? What could you have done differently to find joy in that situation? [16:54]
2. In what ways can you practice surrendering to God's will in your current circumstances? Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's work? [28:38]
3. How often do you pray for wisdom when facing challenges? What steps can you take to make this a regular part of your prayer life? [36:22]
4. Think about a time when you felt like a victim. How can you shift your mindset to see trials as opportunities for growth and glorifying God? [01:16]
5. Identify a specific trial you are currently facing. How can you apply the principles of understanding trials, surrendering to God's will, and praying for wisdom to this situation? [22:48]
6. How can you support others in your small group who are going through trials? What practical steps can you take to encourage them to find joy in their circumstances? [02:57]
7. Reflect on the values that shape how you evaluate your trials. How can you align your values more closely with those of Jesus, who valued our salvation more than the pain of the cross? [21:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Trials Build Spiritual Maturity
Understanding Trials: Trials are not meant to break us but to build us. They test our faith and produce patience, leading to spiritual maturity. Recognizing that trials are for our benefit and not against us helps us maintain a positive outlook and find joy even in difficult circumstances. [22:48]
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 recent trial you faced. How did it test your faith, and what did you learn from it that contributed to your spiritual growth?
Day 2: Surrender Brings Joy
Attitude of Surrender: Surrendering to God's will is crucial for finding joy in trials. When we allow God to work through us, He builds our character and matures our faith. Resisting God's work leads to misery, but surrender brings growth and joy. [28:38]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Wisdom in Trials
Prayer for Wisdom: Praying for wisdom is essential when facing trials. Wisdom helps us understand how to use our circumstances for God's glory. Solomon's example shows that asking for wisdom leads to greater blessings and a deeper understanding of God's will. [36:22]
Proverbs 2:6-7 (ESV): "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. Have you prayed for wisdom to navigate it? How can you seek God's wisdom today in a practical way?
Day 4: Perspective Shapes Experience
Outlook Determines Outcome: Our perspective on trials significantly impacts our experience. A positive outlook, rooted in faith, leads to positive outcomes. Our attitude determines our actions, and a joyful attitude in trials glorifies God and brings us peace. [15:37]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective on a current trial to see it as an opportunity for growth and God's glory? What practical steps can you take to maintain a positive outlook?
Day 5: Values Shape Evaluations
Values Determine Evaluations: What we value shapes how we evaluate our trials. Jesus valued our salvation more than the pain of the cross, finding joy in His sacrifice. Similarly, when we value spiritual growth and God's glory, we can find joy in our trials. [21:13]
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: Reflect on your core values. How do they influence the way you perceive and handle trials? What value can you focus on today to help you find joy in a current challenge?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Christianity teaches how to have joy in the midst of our trials. Victims in our culture exaggerate their trials to glorify themselves. Christians endure their trials to glorify God. That's the difference between the culture we're living in and the culture we're living in. We're living in a culture where we're living in a culture that Christ wants us to live in." [01:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I want to tell you today, a 1% chance for God is 100% guarantee. I want Bob and Tracy to stand up this morning. Let's just praise the Lord for what he's done in their life. Amen. Bob is a 1% miracle. He's here with us today. And I want to tell you that Bob, I've never heard him complain about that. I've never heard him say, woe is me. Why did I have to go through this? Bob is a walking example. He's joy." [06:03] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you understand what had to be perfectly in place for this miracle to happen, you'll say, this is not coincidence. This happened because God had it under control. They found out later that that doctor that was giving CPR and a nurse were both staying at houses just across the street from where he had his accident. They had no idea where that helicopter had come from, that Coast Guard helicopter, but it was hovering over Bob, marking the spot where he had gone under." [07:34] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want joy, pray for wisdom. Furthermore, ask in faith without doubting. I promise that God wants to give you wisdom. Have no doubt that if you ask for it, he will give it to you abundantly. A couple of weeks ago, we saw what happened to Peter when he got out of the boat. His faith began to falter. All the waves around him. When Peter began to doubt, he was tossed back and forth in the waves and eventually he succumbed to them." [37:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you're sitting here today and you, you want that joy, if you're being pulled at your heart to accept him by the Holy Spirit, why don't you do it today? All you have to do is admit you're a sinner, believe that Jesus died for your sins and commit to following him the rest of your life. It's as easy as ABC. If you want to pray that prayer today, I encourage you to come find me." [42:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Outlook determines outcome and attitude determines action. To have the right outcome, you must go into a situation with the right outlook. To respond with the right actions, you must go into with the right attitude. I watched a video this past week of a lady who was pulled over by a police officer for speeding. She did not have the right outlook or the right attitude." [15:37] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you face trials, the outcome shows in your actions. You show the world who you are through the trial. When you fall into trials, your actions will show who you are. And James starts off by acknowledging that we will fall into trials. Jesus even predicted this in John 16, 33. He said, in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world." [17:49] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our lives are kind of behind the scenes in our life. You see a jumbled mess of trial after trial after trial, but if we let him, God can take those trials, and he can turn us around into a picture that he paints on our soul that is so beautiful that you can't even believe it. That's what God does with the trials in our life if we only let him." [19:28] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To find joy in trials, you have to have a joyful outlook, joyful attitudes, and joyful values. Okay, how do we do this? That's the question. There are three things that are going to help us with this. Number one is a mind that understands trials. Number two, an attitude of surrender. Number three, prayer for wisdom." [21:13] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you surrender to God, he does three general things for you. Paul does a great job of outlining it in Ephesians chapter two, verse eight through 10. We know this verse. For by grace, you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." [31:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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