When we encounter trials, our natural, sinful tendency is often to become discouraged or even resentful toward God. Yet James exhorts us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” He doesn’t say if you face trials, but when—trials are inevitable. How we respond to them will either deepen our faith or draw us into sin. The choice lies not in avoiding hardship, but in how we endure or persevere.
Trials do not create our faith rather they test and reveal it. In seasons of difficulty, they expose the depth of our trust in God. When we respond with genuine, wholehearted reliance on Him, trials can produce steadfastness and patience. But if we receive them with a bitter or resistant heart, they may instead breed discouragement and resentment.
One of the many trials we will inevitably face is temptation. Whether it comes from the enemy or arises from our own sinful desires, we must not give in or act upon it. James 1:14-15 warns, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by own his desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives brith to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” The only way to resist the pull of temptation is to cultivate a greater passion – a deeper love for God and a growing relationship with Him. As Galatians 5:16 exhorts us: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Victory over temptation comes not through willpower alone, but through a heart captured by the Spirit and anchored in God.
In moments of trials or temptations, it is vital that we seek God’s wisdom rather than leaning on our own understanding or the counsel of others. Too often, our instinct is to turn to friends or attempt to resolve problems with our wisdom and strength. Yet it is God’s Word that must shape our decisions and direct our path. As Proverbs 3:5-7 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” True wisdom will always align and be grounded in the Word of God.
In every trial—whether suffering, uncertainty, or temptation—may we learn to lean on the Lord, trust in His Word, and allow our faith to be refined, not shaken.
What really resonated with me was the realization that we cannot conquer temptation by our own strength or sheer willpower. The only true way to resist it is to have our hearts so filled with love for God that there’s no space left for temptation to enter. I remember talking with a close friend, sharing how overwhelmed I felt by my flaws—trapped in the same cycle of sin, struggling to keep my life together. She gently said, “If you fix your eyes on the cross, everything else will fall into place.” Her words stayed with me, because she was right. When my gaze is fixed on myself, I lose sight of God who is the only one who has the power to transform me.
For so long, I tried to face temptation and endure trials with nothing but my own willpower—and the truth is, my willpower isn’t strong at all. I lost that fight over and over again, and each failure left me feeling more defeated. I would cry out to God, asking for strength to resist, but my prayers were shallow and sporadic. I expected immediate answers, and when they didn’t come, bitterness slowly began to take root in my heart. Over time, that bitterness grew into anger. I was so angry that I began to curse God. I had no trust in Him, and my anger revealed what I couldn’t admit out loud: I didn’t truly believe He knew what was best for me.
That anger lingered for years. I couldn’t let it go. I kept trying to battle temptation and endure trials in my own strength, only to fall short time and time again. And each time, the disappointment returned like a flood, followed closely by the same anger. I would lie in bed with tears of frustration in my eyes, crying out, “What’s the point of You in my life? You’re useless to me. I want to walk away because you don’t care about me.” Day after day, that anger toward God ate away at me, and I drifted further and further from Him.
It wasn’t until recently that I felt an unexpected tug on my heart—a gentle nudge to listen to worship music. That wasn’t something I normally did. I had always found it hard to connect with worship songs, preferring the energy and beat of secular music. Christian music just seemed dull. But that day, something in me shifted. I gave in and played Jireh by Maverick City Music and Elevation Worship. As the song filled my car, tears quietly began to fall.
In that moment, I truly sensed His conviction—an invitation to return to Him. I had been far from Him for so long, and deep down, my soul was parched. I had been distant from Him for so long, and deep down, my soul was starving for His presence. It longed to be near Him again. That same day, I picked up my Bible and began to read His Word.
To be honest, I still carry a fear of straying again. What if I fall? What if it takes years to get back up, like it did before? I don’t want to go through that struggle again. And yet, in the midst of that fear, I hold onto something my friend once told me: “Keep your eyes on the cross.” Even if I stumble, I must get back up and keep my gaze fixed on Jesus and trust that He will carry me through. Because it’s not about my strength—it’s about His faithfulness.
When trials come, I pray that my heart will respond not with fear or doubt, but with unwavering trust in the Lord. That I won’t be overwhelmed or discouraged, but instead, I will cling to Him all the more—leaning on His strength, not my own. I want to endure with a steadfast spirit, remembering that He is faithful in every season. Even when I don’t understand the “why,” I pray I’ll rest in the truth that His plans are good, His timing is perfect, and His presence is enough to carry me through.
jinsil • truth 