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.

It is not a stretch to presume that among those who read this, there are a number of struggles represented. We all know that storms are a part of life. I’ve heard it said, you are either currently in a storm, coming out of a storm, or on your way into one. As pessimistic as that sounds, even the Bible is clear that trials are an inevitability of life on earth. Knowing this, we are still shocked when we are hit with an unexpected trial! Whether we take a financial hit, or worse, lose a dream, our health, or a loved one, at some point we inevitably find ourselves blindsided by pain. The question is, what do we do with it?

This is a brief message that I shared with our online Methods of Biblical Preaching class at SEU. I’ve made it a “vlog” post because I know that there are some who read my blog that are facing some real struggles- often in the form of a way uncool diagnosis. Whatever storm you are facing, I hope to encourage you with the truth from God’s Word that our very pain can be used for our good. It can even be an “opportunity for great joy!”

If you are currently walking through a painful situation of any kind, I would also love to recommend to you a book written by a man who has certainly “walked the walk” of pain. Doug McAllister’s life is such a testament to the faithfulness of God, and I have no doubt that his book, The Unexpected Gift of Pain, will minister to you. It is available here!

Click here for video. Be encouraged and blessed today!
Sarah