Dave Tebbenkamp shares the story of Rustin Gates, a four-year-old boy in their church who died of bone marrow cancer, and how this experience taught him about finding blessing through enduring trials rather than avoiding them.
Scripture Text
James 1:2-12
Main Points or Ideas
- Trials are Predictable - James says "when" not "if" trials come. Living in this fallen world means we will face trials in some way, shape or form. They come for two reasons: correction (like Jonah) or perfection (refining like gold).
- Trials are Problematic - They're called trials because they're problems, not blessings or relaxation. The disciples faced a storm while doing exactly what Jesus wanted them to do. Various trials come in many different ways - job, finances, domestic struggles, fear of failure.
- Trials are Paradoxical - James says to "count it all joy" when we fall into trials, which seems contradictory. But joy is what we have when circumstances go sideways but we still have confidence in Christ. Trials work to us, for us, and through us - making us look more like Jesus Christ.
- Trials are Purposeful - They bring about purity (testing of faith produces patience), perfection (maturing process), and prayer (driving us to ask God for wisdom). The goal is to make us more like Christ.
- Trials are Profitable - Whether poor, rich, or under pressure, we all need God's grace. The profit is the crown of life promised to those who endure and are approved through testing.
Conclusion
God is faithful in times of trial and watches for our reaction. We should find the blessing through enduring trials with His help rather than trying to escape them.
