From Trials to Triumph
Php 1:21-24 (NAS95) 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. [So here’s my dilemma: Each day I live means bearing more fruit in my ministry; yet I fervently long to be liberated from this body and joined fully to Christ. That would suit me fine, but the greatest advantage to you would be that I remain alive. So you can see why I’m torn between the two—I don’t know which I prefer.] 23 But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.
You are more than a conqueror. That is our
I. THE RIGHT
James 1:2–4 (NASB1995)
“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
*James 1:2-4 (TPT) My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it [perceive & process] as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! 3 For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. 4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
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Trials are not punishment—they are
The command isn’t to
2 Co 4:8-9 (CEV) 8 We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. 9 In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.
“My hardship is not the end of me - it’s the making of me.”
Rom 8:28 (NAS95) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
II. YOUR FAITH GROWS STRONGER IN
Many believers want strong faith without
Private victories prepare you for
“Adversity doesn’t build character—it
*1Pe 1:6-7 (NLT) 6 So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. 7 These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
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III.
Galatians 6:9 “Let us not grow weary… for in due season we will reap.”
IV. TRUST THE PROCESS—GOD’S NOT
Triumph isn’t just surviving the storm, it’s coming out
Philippians 1:6 (TPT) I pray with great faith for you, because I’m fully convinced that the One who began this glorious work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you and will put his finishing touches to it until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!
V.THE HOLY SPIRIT NEVER
The Holy Ghost doesn’t leave you in the storm—He
The Spirit of God is not just a comforter—He is your
Zechariah 4:6 – “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
The Holy Spirit brings resurrection power to every
Romans 8:11 (NKJV) – “But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NASB) – “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love Him—these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.”
When the world sees defeat, the Spirit shows you
In the heat of the trial, the Spirit gives you a
*Jude 1:20 (NKJV) – “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit…”
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