When Life Gets HardSample

This is probably one of the most challenging passages to live out. It’s so hard to consider it an opportunity for great joy when trials come. However, this passage is great because James doesn’t just end it there. He goes on to give us the why behind having great joy. He reminds us that God is using everything in our lives to help us grow and become more like him. We can find comfort in knowing that trials will help us grow into a more Christ-like person. Now, this doesn’t mean that it is always going to be easy. We would all like it if life was easy, but we live in a messed-up world. We can start to reframe our trials and begin to see them as opportunities to grow us into better people. What challenges or difficulties are you currently facing, and how can you start to see how God is growing you through them?

Challenge: Today, think of a current challenge you are facing and thank God for that trial. Take some time to ask God to help you see what he is growing in you and write down anything God reveals to you. Choose to trust that God will use this trial for good in the end.