Foundation Scripture:
James 1:2-4 (NIV)“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Why Struggles Matter
Key Insight:Most of us think, “If only these things would go away — if only I had more money, better health, true love, a bigger home, or a better job…” But what if all our struggles were instantly “fixed”?
Big Questions:
Where would that leave our relationship with God?
Would we still depend on Him?
What would it cost us, and those watching our lives, eternally?
Consider:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV)“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh... Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
What Would a Struggle-Free Life Cost?
Shallow Relationship with GodWithout struggles, we’d have little motivation to pray, seek Him, or stay close.
Weak TestimonyOur perseverance in hardship shows others God’s faithfulness; easy lives have no testimony.
Ultimately it may cost us ETERNITY.
Loss of Eternal Perspective Jesus warned: Mark 8:36 (NIV)“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
Others Miss Our ExampleOur struggles inspire others to trust God; without them, people around us may never see authentic faith…. And possibly ETERNITY.
Faith Without Depth
Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Wrestling is Part of Our Identity
Israel means “he who wrestles with God” (Genesis 32:28). Wrestling with Him is part of a real relationship — not rejection.
Struggles deepen our intimacy with God, not distance us from Him.
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Changing Our “Stinking Thinking”
What the Bible Says About Struggles:
Trials develop perseverance and maturity (James 1:2-4).
God uses everything for our good (Romans 8:28).
Nothing separates us from His love (Romans 8:35-39).
His strength is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Habits for Renewing Our Minds
Romans 12:2 (NIV)“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
1. Identify and Replace Negative ThoughtsTake every thought captive:
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)“We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
2. Practice Daily GratitudeList three things you’re thankful for — one easy, one hard, one person.
3. Memorize ScriptureKey verses:
Psalm 46:1 (NIV): “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Romans 8:28 (NIV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
4. Speak Life, Not ComplaintChoose words of faith; share struggles honestly, but don’t let negativity dominate your speech.
5. Pray Scripture Over StrugglesExample prayer:“Lord, thank You that this trial will produce perseverance and maturity in me. Use it for Your glory.”
6. Reflect DailyAsk: “Where did I see God’s faithfulness today?” Write it down to track His hand in your life.
7. Serve OthersLook for ways to encourage or help others even in your own struggles.
How Gratitude Changes Attitude
Focuses your heart on blessings, not burdens.
Reminds you God is still at work.
Transforms bitterness into worship.
Deepens trust in God’s faithfulness.
Daily 3-Step Exercise
Each morning or evening:
Thank God for three things (easy, hard, and a person).Read or recite one promise from Scripture.Pray a short surrender prayer, e.g.:
“Father, I choose joy today. I trust You are using every challenge to draw me closer to You and bless others.”
Big Question to Ponder Tonight:
“What if your deepest struggle is God’s greatest gift — the very thing keeping you close to Him, preparing you for eternity, and leading others to faith?”
Closing Encouragement:Remember:
Romans 8:35-39 (NIV)“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?... No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Stay grateful. Stay faithful. And let your struggles become a light that points others to Jesus.
James’ call to “count it all joy” is one of the most radical commands in Scripture. It doesn’t say to pretend our struggles are pleasant or to deny pain, but to reframe our perspective: trials are the proving ground of faith. Meanwhile, the name Israel — “he who wrestles with God” (Genesis 32:28) — reminds us that struggling is not failure; it’s part of our identity as God’s people. Jacob wrestled through the night with God’s angel, and it was in that struggle he received both blessing and a new name. Our wrestling, too, can transform us.
Paul echoes this theme when he writes:
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”— Romans 5:3-4