What has strengthened your faith the most?

Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. Jas 2:17 (BSB).

LET YOUR FAITH ROAR: TURNING TRIALS INTO TRIUMPHS

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes of the Dispersion: Greetings. James 1:1 (BSB)

Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem… Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Acts 8:1, 3 (BSB)

Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews. But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Acts 11:19–21 (BSB)

Everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. 1 John 5:4 (BSB)

Fiery Trials

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 (BSB)

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in various trials so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6–7 (BSB)

We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 (BSB)

Turning Trails Into Triumphs

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2–4 (BSB)

✓ Trials reveal the real us. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours.  James 1:3 (MSG)

✓ Trials change and mature us. “I bear willing witness that I owe more to the fire, and the hammer, and the file, than to anything else in my Lord’s workshop.” Charles Spurgeon.

1. Rejoice Anyway

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds. James 1:3a (BSB)

Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (BSB)

Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:3 (BSB)

2. Don’t Give-up

You know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:3–4 (BSB)

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1–2 (BSB)

3. Practice Patience

Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:3–4 (BSB)

4. Ask God For Wisdom

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (BSB).

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (NIV).

He must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6–8 (BSB).

The Crown Of Life

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 (BSB)