One doesn’t have to be convinced that life can be difficult. We don’t choose difficulty; it just happens. It’s part of life. The question is, how do we make our faith work in difficult times? James 1:2-4 supplies us with the answer.

James 1:2-4 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
(NLT = New Living Translation)

1. Difficulty is an opportunity for

Philippians 2:17-18 “But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.” (NLT)

Philippians 3:1 “Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith.” (NLT)

• Joy will

your faith.

Romans 15:13 “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NLT)

James 1:3-4a “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow…” (NLT)

2. Difficulty produces

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (NLT)

• Endurance will

your faith.

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (NLT)

Philippians 1:6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (NLT)

3. Difficulty is an opportunity for

2 Corinthians 1:3-6 “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. 6 Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer.” (NLT)

• Maturity gives you the

to comfort others

Discussion Questions:

1. Read James 1:2-4. Share about a painful experience or difficult season you have gone through. Were you able to experience joy during this time? Why or why not?
   

2. Read Romans 15:13. How does joy safeguard your faith? Have you experienced this?
   

3. Discuss the importance of endurance. How does endurance grow you as a person? How does it grow and strengthen your faith?
   

4. Discuss the role of pain in life? How does it grow your faith?
   

5. Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-6. Discuss the idea of “Redemptive Suffering.” How does God use our pain in the lives of other people? Have you experienced this on either the giving or receiving end?