Hardship isn’t something anyone wants to go through, but it is a part of living here on this Earth. Jesus said in John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)
So here is a promise you don’t often see in a promise book. Jesus said that you WILL face hardship. Being a follower of Christ doesn’t mean you’ll escape all the problems life throws at you; it means you WILL have problems thrown at you. The good thing is we can deal with EVERYTHING because Christ made a way to overcome.

Joy in Turmoil

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” – James 1:2-4 (NLT)

James tells us to consider it an opportunity when trouble comes! When sickness tries to come against you or a loved one, or you acquire an unexpected expense, it is an opportunity for joy! James further states the reason to be joyful is that when we’re under pressure, we have an opportunity to grow. Notice the Word says we have a chance to grow. Just because we are facing trouble, does not mean we will grow automatically.

There are two ways we can face hardship. We can let our mind dwell on every possible outcome which will develop and cultivate fear and anxiety in your heart, or we can allow the Word to rule our thought life. The Bible tells us to think on the things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, things that are of a good report (Philippians 4:8). This means that part of living in the Kingdom of God means to stop listening (dwelling on) to every thought that comes at you and start meditating or dwelling on the Word of God! Joy in troubled times comes from believing and doing the Word.

When we choose to believe and trust God, we are choosing to grow in trials. 1st Peter 5:6-8 Gives us a clear picture on how to deal with hardship. Verse 6 tells us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Verse 7 tells us how to humble ourselves; by casting all of our cares on God. We practically do that by choosing to believe God at every turn in our life; taking the Bible and asking God to reveal it to us and how to apply it. This allows God’s grace to flow in our lives to glorify Him in everything!

Peter also gives us further instruction and warning in verse 8. He tells us to be self-controlled and watchful because satan is looking for people who are not operating in the Grace Jesus has provided. One way we can practice self-control is by not allowing our mind to wander to every worst possible outcome. If we fixate on what satan wants, we operate outside of the grace of God, and we will never rise above the situation to glorify God. This is how satan devours you, by attacking your faith and hope.

When we don’t stand on the Word in trials, we crumple in depression and fear. This causes us to trust in our way of doing things and not relying on and trusting God. If we want our life to reflect Jesus and grow in our relationship with Him, we can start by standing in faith when hardships come. When we allow God to work in every aspect of our life, including our thought life, He will be glorified.

Practical Application

Ask God to help you recognize opportunity to grow.
Meditate on God’s Word in good times and hard times.
Be grateful that He will never leave you nor forsake you and He works all things out for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purposes.