Learning to Endure

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: James 1:2-13Do you want to be strong, prosperous, and content? All of us do.But do you want trials and tribulation? Most of us don’t.There will be heartache in this life. That is guaranteed. And as any loving Father would, God wants us to overcome it with unexplainable joy and strength. That is why He tests His children, so that we may learn to endure. Don’t be afraid of God’s tests; they are not there to make us stumble, rather, to teach us to stand.When we know this, there are a few things we discover when we learn to endure.We might be surprised to find joy in our trials. James 1:2 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations.” Why do we count it all joy? Because overcoming Christians are joyful Christians. We know that pain is inevitable, but in trials, we learn that misery is optional.We also grow exponentially when tribulation comes. James 1:4 says, “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” The Greek word for “perfect” here doesn’t mean sinless —it means mature. Maturity comes with trials; as does enlightenment.We learn many new things and obtain so much wisdom that roots us in an unshakeable faith.James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” Endurance makes kings and queens out of the children of God. Adrian Rogers says, “If you do not bear the cross, you can’t wear the crown.” And when we learn to endure, we are brought to the place where we need nothing. We learn that there is no necessity that God is unable to meet.God wants to give His children the real riches of life. And once we learn that our greatest gift from God is the ability to endure, we will see trials and tribulations as opportunities to do so.Apply it to your lifeAre you going through a trial or tribulation right now? Endure; thank God for His gifts and His grace, and pray for the strength to endure. Do not waste this pain. Use it to glorify God.