Seeing It Through: Joy, Faith, and Perseverance
Summary
Today, we gathered in gratitude, celebrating the goodness of God and the achievements of our community, especially our graduates and those who have persevered through trials. The heart of our reflection centered on the call to “see it through”—to endure life’s challenges with joy, faith, and perseverance, as James 1:2-12 instructs. We remembered the inspiring story of Dr. Alexander Thomas Augusta, who overcame systemic barriers and prejudice to become a trailblazing physician and military leader. His life is a testament to the power of persistence and faith in the face of adversity, reminding us that obstacles are not meant to stop us, but to strengthen us for the journey ahead.
James teaches that trials are not punishments, but opportunities for growth. We are called to count it all joy—not because suffering is pleasant, but because God uses our struggles to produce perseverance, maturity, and completeness in us. Joy in hardship is not denial of pain, but a declaration of trust in God’s purpose and presence. Faith is essential; it is the anchor that holds us steady when circumstances are uncertain. Faith is not about seeing the outcome, but believing that God is able, even when we cannot see the way forward. When we ask God for wisdom and strength, we must do so with unwavering trust, knowing that God is generous and faithful.
Perseverance is the determination to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. It is the refusal to give up, even when the journey is hard and the path unclear. God promises a crown of life to those who endure, a reward not just for surviving, but for trusting and loving Him through every test. We are reminded that our struggles are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. As we celebrated our graduates and honored the legacy of those who have gone before us, we were encouraged to keep pressing on, to support one another, and to trust that God has not brought us this far to leave us. In every season—joyful or sorrowful, easy or difficult—God is with us, equipping us to see it through.
Key Takeaways
- Joy in Trials: True joy is not the absence of hardship, but the presence of God in the midst of it. When facing trials, choosing joy is an act of faith that declares God’s goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances are painful or confusing. This joy is a spiritual strength that the world cannot give or take away, and it is cultivated through trust in God’s purpose for our lives. [52:05]
- Faith as Foundation: Faith is not merely wishful thinking, but a deep-rooted confidence in God’s character and promises. When we lack wisdom or strength, we are invited to ask God, believing without doubting, because God is both able and willing to provide. Faith sustains us when answers are delayed and outcomes are uncertain, reminding us that God can do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or imagine. [01:06:30]
- Perseverance Through Testing: Perseverance is the spiritual muscle developed through repeated trials and setbacks. It is the determination to keep moving forward, trusting that every test is an opportunity for growth and preparation for greater things. God honors those who persevere, promising a crown of life to those who endure with steadfast love and trust. [01:08:46]
- The Power of Community and Legacy: Our individual journeys are strengthened by the support and example of those who have gone before us and those who walk alongside us. The story of Dr. Augusta and the celebration of our graduates remind us that we are part of a larger story of resilience, achievement, and faith. Investing in others—through encouragement, education, and opportunity—multiplies the impact of perseverance across generations. [01:35:02]
- God’s Presence in Every Season: Whether we are celebrating victories or mourning losses, God’s presence is constant and sustaining. Prayer is not just a means to change our circumstances, but a way for God to change us, giving us the strength to endure and the hope to continue. In every season, God equips us to see it through, assuring us that He has not brought us this far to leave us. [01:17:39]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[08:02] - Praise and Testimony
[46:36] - Greetings and Acknowledgments
[52:05] - Introduction to James 1:2-12
[01:02:49] - See It Through with Joy
[01:06:30] - See It Through with Faith
[01:07:42] - Trusting God’s Ability
[01:08:46] - See It Through with Perseverance
[01:15:18] - Passing the Test
[01:17:39] - Invitation to Christ and Prayer
[01:21:29] - Community Prayers and Announcements
[01:25:09] - Celebrating Graduates and Community Support
[01:28:31] - Graduate Recognitions
[01:35:02] - Scholarships and Educational Opportunities
[01:37:28] - Sorority and Fraternity Acknowledgments
[01:43:17] - Offering and Benediction
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “See It Through”
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### Bible Reading
James 1:2-12 (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. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to James 1:2-4, what is the purpose of facing trials and how does it affect our faith?
2. What does James say we should do if we lack wisdom during difficult times? (v.5)
3. In the sermon, what story was shared about Dr. Alexander Thomas Augusta, and how did his life reflect perseverance? [52:05]
4. What is the “crown of life” that James mentions, and who is it promised to? (v.12)
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James instruct believers to “consider it pure joy” when facing trials? What does this say about God’s purpose in our struggles? [52:05]
2. The sermon says, “Joy in hardship is not denial of pain, but a declaration of trust in God’s purpose and presence.” How does this perspective change the way someone might respond to suffering? [52:05]
3. The pastor said, “Faith is not about seeing the outcome, but believing that God is able, even when we cannot see the way forward.” How does this definition of faith challenge or encourage you? [01:06:30]
4. How does the example of Dr. Augusta’s persistence in the face of discrimination and setbacks help us understand what perseverance looks like in real life? [52:05]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to “see it through with joy.” Think about a current challenge in your life. What would it look like for you to choose joy in the middle of it, even if you don’t feel happy? [52:05]
2. When you face a situation where you don’t know what to do, do you usually ask God for wisdom? What would it look like to ask God “believing without doubting” this week? [01:06:30]
3. The pastor said, “Perseverance is the determination to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.” Is there an area in your life where you feel like giving up? What is one step you can take this week to keep going? [01:08:46]
4. Dr. Augusta’s story showed that obstacles can make us stronger. Can you share about a time when a setback or challenge actually helped you grow? How did God use that experience? [52:05]
5. The sermon talked about the importance of community and legacy. Who in your life has encouraged you to keep going when things were hard? How can you be that person for someone else this week? [01:35:02]
6. The pastor reminded us, “God has not brought us this far to leave us.” When you look back over your life, where do you see God’s faithfulness? How does remembering this help you trust Him for what’s ahead? [01:17:39]
7. Prayer was described as a way for God to change us, not just our circumstances. Is there a situation you need to pray about differently—not just asking God to fix it, but to give you strength and hope to endure? [01:17:39]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, especially for those who are facing trials, asking God for joy, faith, perseverance, and a deeper sense of His presence in every season.
Devotional
Day 1: See It Through With Joy
Even when life brings trials, hardships, and pain, God calls us to count it all joy—not because the struggle is easy, but because joy is a declaration that our circumstances do not define us. Joy in the midst of adversity is a testimony that God is still present, still working, and still worthy of praise. When others talk about you, when you feel the weight of the world, or when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you can still choose joy, knowing that God is using every trial to shape you for His purpose. Don’t let anyone steal the joy that God has given you—hold on to it, and let it be your strength as you see it through. [01:00:00]
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."
Reflection: What is one difficult situation you are facing right now where you can choose to respond with joy instead of frustration or discouragement? How will you express that joy today?
Day 2: See It Through With Faith
Faith is the anchor that holds you steady when the storms of life rage and nothing makes sense. It’s not about seeing the outcome, but believing that God is able to do what He promised, even when you can’t see the way forward. Faith means asking God for what you need, trusting that He hears you, and believing without doubting that He will provide. When you feel like all you have left is a little bit of faith, remember that’s enough—God honors even mustard-seed faith and uses it to move mountains in your life. [01:07:42]
James 1:5-8 (NIV)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to ask God for something in faith today, believing He is able, even if you can’t see how it will happen?
Day 3: See It Through With Perseverance
Perseverance is the determination to keep pressing forward, no matter what obstacles stand in your way. It’s the grit to keep going when you feel like giving up, the resolve to finish the race even when it gets tough. God promises that those who persevere under trial will receive the crown of life—He sees your struggle, honors your endurance, and will reward your faithfulness. When you feel like quitting, remind yourself that this is only a test, and God has not brought you this far to leave you. [01:08:46]
James 1:12 (NIV)
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: What is one area where you are tempted to give up? How can you take one more step forward in perseverance today, trusting God for the outcome?
Day 4: God Has Equipped You For Victory
God never promised that the journey would be easy, but He has promised to give you everything you need to make it through. The hurdles and challenges you face are not meant to defeat you, but to build your spiritual muscle and prepare you for victory. You are not alone—God is with you, strengthening you, and making a way even when others try to block or discourage you. You are too close to give up now; trust that God has equipped you for every good work and will see you through to the other side. [52:05]
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
"I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
Reflection: Think of a challenge that feels overwhelming right now. What is one way you can rely on God’s strength instead of your own today?
Day 5: Your Relationship With Jesus Sustains You
The reason you can see it through—no matter how dark the clouds or how rough the road—is because of your relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the one who walks with you, who never leaves you, and who gives you hope beyond your circumstances. When you feel like you’re taking one step forward and five steps back, remember that Jesus is your Savior, your friend, and your guide. He has not brought you this far to leave you, and He invites you to trust Him more deeply, whether for the first time or in a renewed way today. [01:15:18]
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection: How does your relationship with Jesus give you strength to keep going? Is there a step you need to take today to draw closer to Him or to trust Him more fully?
Quotes
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