1. Can We Rejoice In Trials? Romans 5:1-4- “Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations (trials) also knowing that tribulation (trial) works patience: and patience, experience and experience, hope” Romans 5:1-4- “Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations (trials) also knowing that tribulation (trial) works patience: and patience, experience and experience, hope”

2. Can We Rejoice In Trials? James 1:2-4- “my brethren count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this that the trial of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work: that you may be perfect (complete) and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4- “my brethren count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this that the trial of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work: that you may be perfect (complete) and entire, wanting nothing.” Heb. 11:34-Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jepthah, David, Samuel and prophets…quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed brave in fight turning to flight the armies of the aliens.” Heb. 11:34-Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jepthah, David, Samuel and prophets…quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed brave in fight turning to flight the armies of the aliens.” 2 Cor. 12:10- “therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Cor. 12:10- “therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

3. Rejoicing In Trials It is clear that trials and hard times are part of the refining process of the righteous. It is clear that trials and hard times are part of the refining process of the righteous. 1 Peter 1:6,7- “wherein you greatly rejoice though for a season, if need be you are in heaviness through manifold temptations that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:6,7- “wherein you greatly rejoice though for a season, if need be you are in heaviness through manifold temptations that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” As gold is refined by fire, we are molded and shaped by our trials for good or bad. As gold is refined by fire, we are molded and shaped by our trials for good or bad. With each trial our patience is increased (James 1:2-4). With each trial our patience is increased (James 1:2-4).

4. Rejoicing In Trials Tribulations drive some away, but it can make the righteous stronger. Tribulations drive some away, but it can make the righteous stronger. Just as runners and athletes practice through strenuous and painful practices (some quit, some get conditioned and stronger and able to play through the pain), so those who endure trials are made stronger even though many things we endure are painful. Just as runners and athletes practice through strenuous and painful practices (some quit, some get conditioned and stronger and able to play through the pain), so those who endure trials are made stronger even though many things we endure are painful. Some married couples are made stronger through tough times, still others grow apart. Some married couples are made stronger through tough times, still others grow apart. Some Christians made stronger through doctrinal fights, others leave the faith. Some Christians made stronger through doctrinal fights, others leave the faith.

5. Rejoicing In Trials We must remember God is able. We must remember God is able. Rom. 8:28- “all things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom. 8:28- “all things work together for good to them that love God.” All that happens is not good, but it can work to good in that able hands of God as we walk in harmony with His will. All that happens is not good, but it can work to good in that able hands of God as we walk in harmony with His will. God can take our suffering (even unjustly) and cause it to work for good. God did not make Joseph’s brothers hate him and treat him horribly, but He made it work for good (Gen. 45:4,5; 50:19-20). God can take our suffering (even unjustly) and cause it to work for good. God did not make Joseph’s brothers hate him and treat him horribly, but He made it work for good (Gen. 45:4,5; 50:19-20).

6. Rejoicing In Trials Helps Us Realize God Is Able To Make our darkest hours work for our ultimate good. Make our darkest hours work for our ultimate good. It may take years before the good is ultimately seen (perhaps in the lives of those we affected without knowing it). It may take years before the good is ultimately seen (perhaps in the lives of those we affected without knowing it). Job( James 5:10,11)- “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering, affliction and of patience. Behold we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very full of pity and tender mercy.” Job( James 5:10,11)- “Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord for an example of suffering, affliction and of patience. Behold we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very full of pity and tender mercy.” Joseph- 13 years of slavery and prison, 22 years before reunited with his family. PERSEVERANCE IS HARD! Joseph- 13 years of slavery and prison, 22 years before reunited with his family. PERSEVERANCE IS HARD!

7. What Trials Do Brings some back to the Lord (Lk. 15:14-19) Prodigal son. Some have to hit bottom before they are able to look up. Brings some back to the Lord (Lk. 15:14-19) Prodigal son. Some have to hit bottom before they are able to look up. We all need to realize that shielding people from the consequences of their actions makes them less likely to come to themselves (suppose the prodigal’s father had sent him some money)? We all need to realize that shielding people from the consequences of their actions makes them less likely to come to themselves (suppose the prodigal’s father had sent him some money)? Causes Us to Examine Our Motives. In Job Satan argued that man will only serve God when God blesses a man (Job 1:8-11; 2:3-5). Do you and I ever get to thinking that God is our servant? Do we ever have the attitude toward God that we will do for him if He will do for us? Do we fear God and work good for the right reason? Causes Us to Examine Our Motives. In Job Satan argued that man will only serve God when God blesses a man (Job 1:8-11; 2:3-5). Do you and I ever get to thinking that God is our servant? Do we ever have the attitude toward God that we will do for him if He will do for us? Do we fear God and work good for the right reason? Brings Humility. Tough times bring us to our knees ( 1 Pet. 5:5,6- Put aside pride and put dependence on God). We may need a thorn in the flesh like Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Brings Humility. Tough times bring us to our knees ( 1 Pet. 5:5,6- Put aside pride and put dependence on God). We may need a thorn in the flesh like Paul (2 Cor. 12:7-10).

8. What Trials Do? Can Enrich Our Prayer Life. Can Enrich Our Prayer Life. 1 Thess. 5:17- “pray without ceasing” 1 Thess. 5:17- “pray without ceasing” Humility and Prayer go together Humility and Prayer go together Setbacks drive us to our knees. Setbacks drive us to our knees. We must maintain that fervor when things are going well. We must maintain that fervor when things are going well. Can Enhance Our Longing For Heaven Can Enhance Our Longing For Heaven Luke 8:14- World has many distractions. The thorny ground describes many Christians who are distracted with worldly interests (some not wrong in and of themselves). We have families to feed, food to buy but we must still put the kingdom first. In distress we realize what really matters( not video games, not who won the ball game, not how many toys we can accumulate). Ask brother Ed, sister Gandy and parents in the hospital with a dying child what matters most? Their answer will not have anything to do with earthly things. Luke 8:14- World has many distractions. The thorny ground describes many Christians who are distracted with worldly interests (some not wrong in and of themselves). We have families to feed, food to buy but we must still put the kingdom first. In distress we realize what really matters( not video games, not who won the ball game, not how many toys we can accumulate). Ask brother Ed, sister Gandy and parents in the hospital with a dying child what matters most? Their answer will not have anything to do with earthly things.

9. What Trials Do Give a proper awareness and value of Heaven (Phil. 3:17-21- “brethren be followers of me and note those who walk as you have us for example, for many walk of who I have told you often and not tell you weeping that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory in in their shame, who mind earthly things for our conversation is in heaven, from whence we look for the Savior, Jesus Christ, who will change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.” See also Rev. 21:1-7. Give a proper awareness and value of Heaven (Phil. 3:17-21- “brethren be followers of me and note those who walk as you have us for example, for many walk of who I have told you often and not tell you weeping that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory in in their shame, who mind earthly things for our conversation is in heaven, from whence we look for the Savior, Jesus Christ, who will change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself.” See also Rev. 21:1-7.

10. What Trials Can Do Cause Us To Reorder Our priorities (Matt. 6:33; 22:36-40) Cause Us To Reorder Our priorities (Matt. 6:33; 22:36-40) The things that count most cannot be counted: faith, family, the gospel and brethren become more critical and important to us in a crisis. The things that count most cannot be counted: faith, family, the gospel and brethren become more critical and important to us in a crisis. 2 Cor. 5:9-10 tells us we will all give account 2 Cor. 5:9-10 tells us we will all give account Cars, houses, electronics, football and possessions won’t matter then. Cars, houses, electronics, football and possessions won’t matter then. Since these won’t matter then shouldn’t we keep them more in their proper place now? Since these won’t matter then shouldn’t we keep them more in their proper place now?

11. What Trials Can Do Give Opportunity to let our light shine Give Opportunity to let our light shine Matt. 5:14-16- faith or lack of it becomes most obvious in tough times. Matt. 5:14-16- faith or lack of it becomes most obvious in tough times. Faith during bad times can open doors of evangelism and encourage brethren. Faith during bad times can open doors of evangelism and encourage brethren. WE MUST LEARN TO APPRECIATE OUR OPPORTUNITIES IN TRIALS. Give us more ability to sympathize with and comfort others. Compassion is made stronger by suffering (Heb. 4:15; Gal. 6:2; Rom. 12:15). Give us more ability to sympathize with and comfort others. Compassion is made stronger by suffering (Heb. 4:15; Gal. 6:2; Rom. 12:15).

12. Can We Rejoice In Trials? WE MUST! No one wants trials and tribulations. No one wants trials and tribulations. God wants us to be better people. God wants us to be better people. He is not the author of anything bad. All He has ever done for us is good. We often only appreciate the good of trials later on down the road. He is not the author of anything bad. All He has ever done for us is good. We often only appreciate the good of trials later on down the road. As we respond to and take the Word seriously in our lives, we may influence someone to obey the gospel. As we respond to and take the Word seriously in our lives, we may influence someone to obey the gospel. Don’t wait until you are in the hog pen to obey Don’t wait until you are in the hog pen to obey ARE YOU READY TO BE WITH GOD RIGHT NOW? ARE YOU READY TO BE WITH GOD RIGHT NOW?