There is a verse that used to irritate me to no end. I guess I didn’t understand it.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” — James 1:2

Years ago, when my small group went through a study in James, this verse was a running joke. When we shared some sort of hardship or unfortunate happenings somebody would say “well, consider it great joy!” Insensitive, I know, but it was all in good fun.

Life brings each of us challenges—trials that come in all shapes and sizes. None of us are immune. Whether we’re leading in the church, leading our families, or serving in our communities, trials inevitably show up. These struggles, while sometimes hard, can serve a higher purpose (if we let them): to refine us, strengthen our faith, and bring us into closer relationship to God.

In my journey, I’ve faced my share of deep valleys. Addiction, broken relationships, depression, feelings of failure, and the weight of shame kept me chained for years. My struggles were too much to handle by myself…. I thought my circumstances were too big for God, and that my flaws were too great. Through Celebrate Recovery, God showed me the power of surrender and community. In that place of brokenness, I found a new family and learned what genuine freedom in Christ looked like. When I finally admitted my powerlessness and let God take control, I experienced His healing hand over my life. I experienced a peace that could only come from Him. I could also look back and see His hand in every part of my struggle. He was always there, working in me and pursuing me.

James speaks of the “testing of our faith”—a term drawn from the Greek word dokimion, which describes the refining process. Just like metal purified in the fire, these trials burn away the impurities in our hearts, leaving something stronger and more resilient. It’s a process, and I’ve learned it requires perseverance. God didn’t simply want me to “get through” my trials; He wanted to use each challenge to make me whole.

These testing moments are opportunities to ask, “What is God teaching me through this? How is He refining my faith?”

This is why James tells us to find joy in trials. Not because they’re fun or easy, but because they are purposeful. Every hardship we face has the potential to produce perseverance, which leads to maturity and completeness in Christ. Much like the silversmith continuing to work until he can see his reflection in the silver, God continues to make us increasingly into the image of His son.

If you are struggling right now, take comfort in this—there is hope on the other side of the fire. God is not distant in your pain. He is refining, shaping, and leading you toward freedom and wholeness. Just as He turned my brokenness into a testimony of His grace, He can do the same for you. Lean into His promises, trust in His timing, and believe that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). Keep pressing on, and remember, you are never alone in this journey.