Click here to pick up a copy of the study guide at Amazon.

Looking for other posts in this study? Click here for the table of contents.

This past week, a question came up in our Facebook group regarding James 1:2-3, which says, “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.” (NIV)

One member asked, “Is it my flesh that can’t thank the Lord when I am in the storm? Is it a lack of knowing who God is?”

I sense that a lot of us have struggled with the idea of rejoicing in times of suffering. Do we thank God for cancer? Do we rejoice over the suffering of children? Do we ignore the pain of sorrow in times of deep loss?

The call to rejoice doesn’t mean we deny hardship; it means we find a deeper joy rooted in faith. Jesus Himself wept over Lazarus, teaching us that sorrow is a natural part of being human. What we’re thankful for isn’t the pain itself, but rather God’s grace that carries us through it. Suffering allows us to experience pain so that we might be a comfort to others.

James reminds us that the testing of our faith produces perseverance. It is through perseverance that we grow spiritually, even when circumstances are painful. Seeing the bigger picture, we recognize that trials lead to lessons that shape us, adversity that strengthens us, and fruit that grows within us. Joy springs from the assurance that God is at work in our lives, refining our character, and drawing us closer to Him.

Notice these words from Paul: “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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10, NIV)

In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul also talks about his preaching by saying, “I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.” It’s a reminder to us that faith is not void of human emotion.

Paul’s words echo the same message James teaches: trials refine us and draw us closer to Christ. He encourages us to see trials as opportunities to grow in perseverance. We may not understand the reasons for our suffering or feel brave, strong, or at peace, but we can trust that God is working through it—and that is a reason to rejoice!

Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
(Habakkuk 3:17-18, NIV)

This Week’s Printable

Here is this week’s printable. Click the image to view and print a higher resolution.

When you purchase a copy of the study guide, you’re actively supporting and strengthening our ministry as we spread the empowering message of the gospel to women across the globe!

We understand that not everyone can purchase the study guide, which is why we provide a printable version exclusively for those facing financial constraints. By subscribing below, you’ll unlock access to these downloadable materials. As part of our community, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the content at your own pace. Plus, as an added treat, you’ll receive periodic devotions from Time-Warp Wife, delivered directly to your inbox. Together, we can grow in faith and discover the abundant blessings of our shared journey. Join us in spreading the empowering message of the gospel to women all around the world.