3 Strategies to Face Trials with Joy

When things go wrong, these 3 strategies that will bring you joy when you face trials.

It’s hard to face trials with joy when things go wrong. You’ll be inspired by Paul courageously speaking up in court.

Paul was a Roman citizen who was also a Pharisee. He knew the law well and when he was brought before the high priest, Ananias and the Sanhedrin, Paul questioned them in a way that left the Sadducees and Pharisees in total confusion.

Face Trials Like Paul!

The events of Acts 22 lead into Acts 23 as Paul is brought before the council.

As I often face trials, this passage came alive for me as the tension between the Jews, the Romans and Paul builds as this story unfolds.

And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.” ² And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. ³ Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?” ⁴ Those who stood by said, “Would you revile God’s high priest?” ⁵ And Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” Acts 23:1-5

Paul’s experiences in court remind me of when Jesus was brought to trial and crucified.

The Jews were out to get Paul just like they had with Jesus. They thought stamping out the spread of the Believers’ faith in Jesus Christ would put an end to Christianity.

We always grow under pressure when our faith is put to the test.

Paul boldly answered the questions of the Sanhedrin but he did not stand alone. Jesus was there with him that day.

As we face trials, we can be reassured that the most important ‘strategy’ we can have is to not stand in our own strength.

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. Philippians 4:1

Do You Face Trials?

If you were sitting across my kitchen table and I asked, “Do you face trials“, I know what your answer would be!

Our walk with Jesus is often filled with trials and troubles.

Have you faced trials in your marriage like the situations listed below? Can you relate?

• Trials with children!
• Relational issues!
• Financial troubles!
• Car issues!
• Homeowner trials!

It seems that our walk, this side of heaven is filled with drama and then some years of peace. We are never assured of everything working out.

The Jews hired 40 assassins to plot for Paul’s death.

I don’t think my problems come close!

BUT, my trials have been severe at times and I know yours might be too.

AND, Jesus is THERE saying that He has experienced the same things that we are going through.

3 Stategies that Lead to Joy

The following night the Lord STOOD BY HIM and said, “Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome.” Acts 23:11

1. Be courageous!
2. Be still and know God’s presence with you!
3. Trust God through your trials!

Did you catch that? Jesus STOOD BY PAUL!

Jesus is right there with YOU! He will help you to take courage.

Be STILL and KNOW that I am God! Psalm 46:10

Trust Him to help as you face the trials in your life.

In whatever your situation, Jesus will sustain you when you courageously trust him!

My Challenge to YOU: Get alone with Jesus and listen to His voice as He reassures you of His presence as you face trials.

Do you face trials in your own strength or with Jesus standing with you? Tap into His strength and share how I can pray for you!

The Knowing Jesus Better Journaling Workbook will encourage you to draw closer to Jesus as you study God’s Word using beautiful worksheets to interact with God.