When troubles come your way

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (James 1:2 NLT)

Reacting Positively to Troubles

Someone once said that life isn't a bed of roses. But I believe it actually is—because roses come with thorns; life has beauty, but it also brings challenges and difficulties. To succeed in life, you must learn to deal with both the positive and negative vicissitudes, otherwise known as the ups and downs.

Troubles are inevitable

The verse at the top of the page begins with “when” you face troubles—not if, but when. This means that difficulties are inevitable. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” But how you respond is what truly matters. You may not be able to control when bad things happen, but you can always control your response. That choice is entirely yours.

An opportunity for great joy

James tells us to consider our troubles “an opportunity for great joy.” Unfortunately, most people don’t see their difficulties that way. Instead, they often react with frustration or despair. However, many successful people understand that solving problems is a key part of growth and achievement.

Problems, causes, and solutions

Problem-solving involves defining the problem, identifying its causes, exploring and prioritizing possible solutions, and then implementing a plan. Wise individuals face their problems head-on and work actively to find positive outcomes. In doing so, they learn, grow, improve, and make progress. After Jesus said that you will have troubles in this world, He said to “take heart” because He has “overcome the world.” And we, too, must respond positively to troubles when they appear and overcome them.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

See things from God’s perspective 

“Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Cor. 4:17-18 NIV)

Therefore

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” (Psalm 50:15)

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.” (Psalm 107:103 ESV) 

“Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.” (Psalm 119:143 ESV)

“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (Psalm 34:17-19)

Quotes

“We must never despair; our situation has been compromising before, and it has changed for the better; so I trust it will again. If difficulties arise, we must put forth new exertion and proportion our efforts to the exigencies of the times.” - George Washington

“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” - Charles R. Swindoll