Wise Teachings: Growing From Trials

When Life Feels Like a Storm

Finding Unexpected Joy in Your Hardest Moments

Life has a way of catching us off guard. One moment you're cruising along, feeling like you've got things figured out, and the next moment you're facing a diagnosis, a job loss, a broken relationship, or a crisis that turns your world upside down. If you're in one of those seasons right now, I want you to know that you're not alone, and there's something beautiful waiting for you in the middle of your storm.

The Brother Who Understood Hard Times

James, the brother of Jesus, knew what it meant to face overwhelming challenges. When he wrote his letter to scattered believers who were facing persecution and hardship, he didn't start with platitudes or empty comfort. Instead, he opened with words that might have seemed shocking: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2).

Wait—joy? In the middle of our pain? James wasn't being insensitive or out of touch. He was pointing us toward something profound that most of us miss when we're in survival mode.

The Hidden Gift in Your Struggles

Here's what James understood that we often forget: our trials aren't just random suffering. They're developing something precious in us. "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" (James 1:3-4).

Think about it this way—you know how a muscle only grows stronger when it faces resistance? Your character works the same way. The very thing that feels like it might break you is building something beautiful in you: resilience, depth, compassion, and a kind of inner strength that can't be manufactured any other way.

I'm not saying your pain is good or that you should be grateful for suffering itself. But there's something powerful about recognizing that God can use even your hardest moments to shape you into someone more whole, more compassionate, and more genuinely strong.

When You Don't Know What to Do Next

One of the most honest things James says is this: "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" (James 1:5).

You don't have to have all the answers. You don't need to figure everything out on your own. When you're facing a decision that feels too big or when you're confused about which direction to take, you can simply ask. God isn't irritated by your questions or frustrated by your uncertainty. He wants to help you navigate through this.

But here's the key—when you ask, believe that He will guide you. Don't let doubt paralyze 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" (James 1:6). Trust that the wisdom you need will come, even if it doesn't arrive in the package you expected.

Your Identity Isn't Determined by Your Circumstances

James reminds us of something crucial: whether you're in a season of plenty or a season of struggle, your true worth isn't determined by your external circumstances. "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" (James 1:9-10).

Your bank account, your job title, your relationship status, your health report—none of these things define your value. You are deeply loved and significant regardless of what's happening around you. The temporary nature of our circumstances means that neither success nor failure is the final word on who you are.

The Source of Real Strength

When Peter wrote to believers facing their trials, he offered this beautiful encouragement: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7).

There's something liberating about admitting we don't have it all together, isn't there? When we stop trying to be strong enough, smart enough, or capable enough on our own, we discover a different kind of strength—one that comes from knowing we're held by someone bigger than our problems.

The Promise That Changes Everything

Here's the promise James gives us that changes everything: "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" (James 1:12).

Your current struggle isn't the end of your story. There's a crown waiting for you—not because you were perfect, but because you didn't give up. Because you kept loving, kept trusting, kept putting one foot in front of the other even when the path was unclear.

The God Who Only Gives Good Gifts

Sometimes when we're hurting, we start to wonder if God is punishing us or if He's the source of our trials. James sets the record straight: "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone" (James 1:13).

Instead, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17). Even in your hardest season, God's heart toward you is good. He's not trying to break you down—He's working to build you up.

Moving Forward with Hope

As you walk through whatever challenge you're facing right now, remember this: you're not just surviving—you're being transformed. The person you're becoming through this trial is someone with deeper compassion, stronger faith, and a more genuine understanding of what really matters in life.

Your Next Step

Take a moment today to honestly acknowledge where you are. If you're in pain, don't minimize it. If you're confused, don't pretend you have it all figured out. But also, don't let your current circumstances convince you that this is all there is.

Ask God for the wisdom you need for today—just today. Cast your anxiety on Him because He truly does care about what you're going through. And remember that the very thing that feels like it might overwhelm you is actually developing something beautiful in you that couldn't be formed any other way.

Your storm isn't the end of your story. It's the place where you discover just how strong you are—not because of what you can handle on your own, but because of the One who holds you through it all.

Blessings,

Donna