OVERCOMING TRIALS WITH GOD’S HELP
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: James 1:2-4
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
Supporting Texts: Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, 1 Peter 5:10, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 34:19
INTRODUCTION:
Trials are an inevitable part of the Christian journey. They come in various forms—challenges, persecutions, afflictions, and setbacks. However, the Bible teaches us that these trials are not meant to destroy us but to strengthen and refine our faith. In James 1:2-4, believers are encouraged to count it all joy when faced with trials because they produce patience and maturity in Christ.
God never allows trials without a purpose. He uses them to build our character, increase our dependence on Him, and prepare us for greater glory. Though trials may seem overwhelming, we can overcome them through God’s help, His Word, and the power of prayer.
This message will explore how we can overcome trials with God’s help, hold on to His promises, and emerge victorious. No matter what you are facing today, be assured that God is with you, and He will see you through.
1. GOD USES TRIALS TO BUILD OUR FAITH
Trials refine and strengthen our trust in God.
a) Faith is tested through trials (1 Peter 1:6-7)
Just as gold is purified through fire, our faith is purified through challenges.
b) Trials produce endurance and patience (Romans 5:3-4)
Difficult times teach us to trust in God’s timing.
c) Testing draws us closer to God (Psalm 119:71)
Affliction helps us learn God’s statutes.
d) Through trials, we learn to depend on God (2 Corinthians 1:9)
We realise that our strength comes from Him alone.
e) Biblical Example: Job’s Endurance (Job 42:10-12)
Job suffered greatly, but his faith remained strong, and God restored him.
2. GOD PROVIDES STRENGTH IN TIMES OF TRIALS
His grace sustains us through difficult moments.
a) God’s strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
His grace is sufficient for us in all circumstances.
b) We can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13)
He empowers us to overcome.
c) When we wait on the Lord, He renews our strength (Isaiah 40:31)
Those who trust in Him shall not grow weary.
d) He upholds us with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10)
Fear has no place in the life of a believer.
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Perseverance (2 Corinthians 11:23-27)
Despite many hardships, Paul found strength in Christ.
3. GOD GIVES WISDOM TO OVERCOME TRIALS
With divine wisdom, we can navigate difficult seasons.
a) If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God (James 1:5)
God provides wisdom for handling challenges.
b) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)
Reverence for God brings direction in trials.
c) God orders the steps of the righteous (Psalm 37:23-24)
He leads us in the right path even in difficult times.
d) Wisdom leads to victory over challenges (Ecclesiastes 9:18)
A wise approach brings deliverance.
e) Biblical Example: Solomon’s Wisdom (1 Kings 3:16-28)
God’s wisdom enabled him to handle difficult situations.
4. GOD WORKS ALL THINGS FOR OUR GOOD
Even trials serve God’s greater purpose in our lives.
a) All things work together for good (Romans 8:28)
Every trial has a divine purpose.
b) What the enemy meant for evil, God turns for good (Genesis 50:20)
God can turn every situation around.
c) Trials produce spiritual maturity (Hebrews 12:11)
They develop righteousness in us.
d) God’s plans for us are good and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11)
His purpose is always for our future and hope.
e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s Journey (Genesis 41:39-44)
Though he was sold into slavery, God elevated him to greatness.
5. GOD PROMISES DELIVERANCE FROM TRIALS
He will not leave us in our struggles forever.
a) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God delivers them (Psalm 34:19)
He will bring us out of every trouble.
b) No trial is beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13)
God provides a way of escape.
c) The Lord is a refuge in times of trouble (Nahum 1:7)
He is our place of safety.
d) Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5)
Trials are temporary, but God’s joy is eternal.
e) Biblical Example: The Israelites’ Deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 14:13-31)
God led them out of slavery into victory.
CONCLUSION:
Trials are part of the Christian life, but we do not face them alone. God uses trials to build our faith, strengthen us, grant us wisdom, and bring about His purpose. No matter the challenges we face, we must remember that God is with us, and He will never forsake us.
Instead of being discouraged by trials, we should embrace them as opportunities for growth and deeper dependence on God. When we trust in Him, we will emerge stronger, wiser, and victorious. With God’s help, we can overcome every trial and move forward in His purpose!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, give me strength to endure and overcome every trial in my life.
2. Lord, fill me with wisdom to handle difficult situations with faith.
3. Every storm in my life, be still in Jesus’ name.
4. Father, turn every challenge in my life into a testimony.
5. I receive divine victory over every battle I am facing.
