How Do We Get Through Trials?

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Are trials a burden or a blessing?

James 1:12 challenges us to rethink how we view suffering—and the answer might surprise you.

Let us discover what it truly means to thrive as a disciple of Jesus, even in the midst of trials.

  1. How does understanding “makarios” as “thriving” instead of “blessed” change the way we view trials in our lives?

  2. In what ways can trials draw us closer to God instead of pushing us away from Him?

  3. How can we shift our mindset to see trials as opportunities to depend more on God rather than obstacles to avoid?

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“Here’s what I’ve learned: they see trials as an opportunity to depend more on God, to imitate the example of Jesus, and to glorify God.”

I liked that statement. Seeing trials truly as a blessing and “opportunity.”

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Hi @stthomaschurch, it’s a gift all the way down. We need God to give us the grace to see even trials as a gift because we are enjoying the gift of God’s presence. We can’t do this by ourselves.

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Thank you, Carson, for this incredible insight. I have often been troubled by feeling like I am missing something when I read the Beatitudes as I can’t seem to understand what “blessed” means. “Thriving” makes so much sense!

In answer to your questions, I can personally attest to experiencing God in a very real way - a way I have never experienced Him before - BECAUSE of a trial. I would never have thought I could be thankful for what I went through over the last 4 months, but I can honestly say that if it hadn’t been for this trial I would still be stuck where I didn’t want to be. God has been with me in such an intimate way through the last 3 months that I have come to crave spending time with Jesus. If I hadn’t been desperate, I can ashamedly say that I would never have reached out to Him with such fervor. By allowing this suffering, He has answered the cry of my heart - to come close with Him at a heart level. As I have emerged from the the pit of my anxiety, He continues to draw me forward and I find myself fearing that if my trials cease, that I might let go of this precious cord that attaches me to Him. Of course, I don’t want more suffering, but I want to stray from Jesus even less. I am learning what it means to trust Him and to truly appreciate His love and care for me for the first time in my life. This “makarios” would not have been possible without that trial and I thank God for it.

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Hi @tara, so good to hear from you, dear sister! :slight_smile:

I’m so glad the ‘thriving’ translation helps you to read the Beatitudes with more clarity! It has energized me to WANT the ‘makarios’ life, instead of feeling like Jesus was going to bless me if I did things that stink.

Your testimony is so powerful. I know it will encourage anyone who reads it. Thank you, thank you for sharing this with us/me.

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