Thriving Through Trials: Finding Peace in Jesus
Summary
In our culture, the concept of survival captivates us, as evidenced by the popularity of reality TV shows like "Survivor" and survival experts like Bear Grylls. This fascination reflects a deeper truth about life: it is inherently challenging, regardless of one's faith, age, or location. Life's difficulties are relentless, and everyone, at some point, feels like they are merely surviving. As a pastor, I witness a lot of suffering and pain, and it's clear that no one is exempt from life's trials. The key is to reset our expectations and understand that survival is a normal part of life.
The Bible, especially the New Testament, emphasizes enduring, persevering, and overcoming. These are not just about surviving; they are about thriving in the midst of life's challenges. The idea that life should be easy or comfortable is not supported by scripture. Instead, we are called to find peace in Jesus, not in our circumstances. Jesus himself warned his disciples that life would be difficult, but he also promised peace through him because he has overcome the world.
Surviving is thriving because it means we are living out God's purposes. It's a spiritual refining process that, while uncomfortable, is necessary. We must expect survival as a part of life and find our hope and peace in Jesus, who remains faithful regardless of our circumstances. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with resilience and faith, knowing that we are not alone and that God is with us in our struggles.
Key Takeaways:
- Expect Life to Be Challenging: Life is inherently difficult, and everyone experiences trials. Resetting our expectations to anticipate these challenges can help us navigate them with resilience and faith. [41:31]
- Surviving is Thriving: The act of surviving life's challenges is a form of thriving. It means we are enduring, persevering, and overcoming, which are central themes in the New Testament. [54:34]
- Find Peace in Jesus, Not Circumstances: True peace comes from a relationship with Jesus, not from favorable circumstances. Jesus promised peace through him because he has overcome the world. [01:02:02]
- Life is a Spiritual Refining Process: The trials we face are part of a spiritual refining process. While uncomfortable, they are necessary for our growth and alignment with God's purposes. [58:15]
- We Are Not Alone in Our Struggles: Everyone experiences life's challenges, and we are not alone in our struggles. Our shared experiences can be a source of comfort and encouragement. [01:06:37]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[36:54] - Fascination with Survival
[37:37] - Life's Relentless Challenges
[40:14] - The Reality of Suffering
[41:31] - Resetting Expectations
[43:37] - The Illusion of Ease
[45:25] - St. Peter's Insight
[46:43] - Living is Surviving
[48:20] - Surviving is Thriving
[52:01] - Biblical Patterns of Endurance
[54:34] - Misconceptions of Comfort
[55:58] - Abundant Life Explained
[57:05] - God's Presence in Trials
[58:15] - Spiritual Refining Process
[01:00:49] - Jesus' Promise of Peace
[01:02:02] - Overcoming Through Christ
[01:06:37] - Shared Struggles and Hope
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV) - "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
2. John 16:33 (NIV) - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
3. Romans 8:37 (NIV) - "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, why is it important to reset our expectations about life’s challenges? [41:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between surviving and thriving? [48:20]
3. What does the pastor say about the commonality of struggles among people? [01:06:37]
4. In the sermon, what is the significance of finding peace in Jesus rather than in our circumstances? [01:02:02]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does 1 Peter 4:12-13 encourage believers to view their trials and challenges? What does it mean to participate in the sufferings of Christ?
2. In John 16:33, Jesus promises peace despite the troubles of the world. How does this peace differ from the peace that comes from favorable circumstances? [01:02:02]
3. Romans 8:37 speaks of being "more than conquerors." How does this concept relate to the idea of thriving through survival as discussed in the sermon? [54:34]
4. The sermon mentions that life is a spiritual refining process. How does this perspective change the way one might view personal struggles and challenges? [58:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your expectations of life influence your response to this challenge? How might resetting your expectations help you in the future? [41:31]
2. Think about a time when you felt you were merely surviving. How can you reframe that experience to see it as a form of thriving? [48:20]
3. In what ways can you seek peace in Jesus rather than in your circumstances this week? Identify a specific situation where you can apply this principle. [01:02:02]
4. How can you support someone else who is going through a difficult time, knowing that everyone experiences struggles? What practical steps can you take to offer encouragement? [01:06:37]
5. Consider the idea that life is a spiritual refining process. How can this perspective help you embrace your current challenges? What is one area of your life where you see God refining you? [58:15]
6. Identify a specific trial you are currently facing. How can you apply the concept of being "more than a conqueror" in this situation? [54:34]
7. How can you cultivate a community that openly shares struggles and supports each other, as suggested in the sermon? What role can you play in fostering this environment? [01:06:37]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: Embrace Life's Challenges as Opportunities for Growth
Life is inherently challenging, and everyone experiences trials. By resetting our expectations to anticipate these challenges, we can navigate them with resilience and faith. The notion that life should be easy is a misconception. Instead, we should view difficulties as opportunities for growth and spiritual development. When we expect challenges, we are better prepared to face them with a mindset that seeks God's guidance and strength. This perspective allows us to see trials not as obstacles but as stepping stones to a deeper relationship with God. [41:31]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing, and how can you view it as an opportunity for spiritual growth today?
Day 2: Thriving Through Endurance and Perseverance
Surviving life's challenges is a form of thriving. It means we are enduring, persevering, and overcoming, which are central themes in the New Testament. The act of survival is not merely about getting by; it is about growing stronger and more resilient in the face of adversity. By enduring hardships, we align ourselves with the biblical call to persevere, which ultimately leads to spiritual maturity and fulfillment of God's purposes in our lives. [54:34]
"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." (James 1:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you persevered through a difficult situation. How did that experience help you grow, and how can you apply that lesson to your current circumstances?
Day 3: Finding True Peace in Jesus
True peace comes from a relationship with Jesus, not from favorable circumstances. Jesus promised peace through him because he has overcome the world. This peace is not dependent on the absence of trouble but is a deep, abiding sense of calm and assurance that comes from knowing Jesus is with us. By focusing on our relationship with Him, we can experience peace that transcends our understanding, even in the midst of life's storms. [01:02:02]
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to seek Jesus' peace today, and how can you intentionally focus on His presence rather than your circumstances?
Day 4: Embracing the Spiritual Refining Process
The trials we face are part of a spiritual refining process. While uncomfortable, they are necessary for our growth and alignment with God's purposes. This process is akin to refining precious metals, where impurities are removed to reveal something more valuable. By embracing this process, we allow God to shape us into the people He created us to be, fully aligned with His will and purpose. [58:15]
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is refining you, and how can you cooperate with His work in this process today?
Day 5: Finding Strength in Shared Struggles
Everyone experiences life's challenges, and we are not alone in our struggles. Our shared experiences can be a source of comfort and encouragement. By connecting with others who are also facing difficulties, we can find strength and support in community. This shared journey reminds us that we are part of a larger body of believers who are walking alongside us, offering prayers, encouragement, and hope. [01:06:37]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life is facing a challenge similar to yours, and how can you reach out to offer support and encouragement to them today?
Quotes
Now, as a pastor, I see a lot of suffering. I see more than my fair share. I guess those of you that live and work in the medical community, you can identify with this. But I see a lot of pain. I see a lot of problems. I get called into people's worst moments. I get called into people's crisis. And it's just part of the job. I'm not complaining. I'm just saying I have an interesting seat when it comes to people's pain. I see a lot. [00:37:47] (38 seconds)
What we should do is reset our expectations. If we could just reset our expectations on what we expect life to be like, it would help us so, much. Because here's what I see as a pastor. And I remember, remember my viewpoint. My viewpoint is I see, I get called into people's worst moments. So I see everybody's, not everybody's, but you get the idea. I see yours, yours, yours, yours, yours, yours. And I'm honored to journey with people in those moments. [00:42:04] (27 seconds)
If you don't reset your expectations, you're going to end up discouraged. Some of you are already there. And you're going to be bitter. Some of you are already there. And you're going to contemplate quitting on God, walking away from faith, and maybe quitting on life altogether. Because you thought and you expected something different than what you're experiencing. So just expect it. Survival is normal. It's a normal part of life. In fact, it's actually a really big part of life. [00:45:11] (29 seconds)
Dear friends, I pause there because when he gets to this part of the letter and he writes, dear friends, you need to feel the affinity there. You need to feel the community in that. Because what he says, what he's saying is, all right, gang, we're all in this together. What we're getting ready to talk about, I know, you know, we all know. Come on, guys. We're all in the same boat when it comes to this. So listen up. Dear friends, don't be surprised. [00:46:02] (30 seconds)
Fiery trials you're going through. As if something strange is happening to you. And if you listen to a lot of people, even especially a lot of Christians, you would think something strange is going on, that they're going through what they're going through. I don't get it. I don't get it. He said, don't be surprised. As if it's strange that you go through fiery trials. In other words, what St. Peter is telling us is, gang, it's normal. It ain't strange. [00:46:43] (28 seconds)
Evidently, the life that we can expect to experience has a whole lot to do with enduring, persevering, and overcoming. Because, evidently, there's going to be a whole lot to endure and persevere and overcome. Which means survival. And when you're enduring and persevering and overcoming, you're not just surviving. You're actually thriving. You're actually living out and experiencing God's purposes when you're surviving. [00:54:02] (27 seconds)
When life gets really difficult, don't jump to the conclusion that God isn't on the job. You ever do that? Some of you, that's where you are right now. That's why you're here. Here, you've come to find out whether or not God is really on the job. He looks like he's on the job for that guy and that lady and them over there, but I don't know about me. I certainly have felt that. [00:57:05] (23 seconds)
He says, don't think God's not on the job when you go through times that are really difficult because that just reminds you you're in the very thick of the kind of stuff that Christ experienced because this is a spiritual refining process here. That's God's purposes. It's a spiritual refining process. That is hard. That hurts. That is not easy. It's not convenient. And it's not comfortable. A spiritual refining process. [00:58:34] (27 seconds)
Peace is not about circumstances, what happens or doesn't happen. Peace is supposed to be in a person. Peace in me. Then he goes on. Here on earth. You will have many, many trials and sorrows. Not just a bad Monday. Not just a short string of bad luck. Many, many, many trials and sorrows. But take heart. Don't freak out. Don't quit. Don't walk away. [01:03:01] (40 seconds)
Let's remember what Jesus taught us. Jesus taught us that it's in losing our lives that we find true life. Jesus taught us all along that surviving is thriving. Expect it. My friends, reset your expectations. Expect it. Living is surviving. Surviving is thriving. And maybe you think you're just barely hanging on. I beg to differ. You're right in the thick of it. [01:06:15] (41 seconds)
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