JOY AMIDST TROUBLES

November 1

Bible Reading: James 1

James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

I’m a member of a spousal caregiver support group.  Its stated purpose is to provide support and resources to people of all ages who care for partners with chronic illness or disability.  Once a month, I join with others in a Zoom meeting to discuss the various challenges associated with caregiving.  Such challenges are something I’ve witnessed frequently in the lives of those I visit as a hospice chaplain.  The topic of discouragement came up in a recent meeting, leading to further discussion about how to not lose heart.  I mentioned how we need to try to keep focused on the positives.  But how is it possible to stay positive when pain, and illness, and even pending death cloud our vision?  In some more troublesome cases, emotionally and physically draining tasks burden a caregiver, consuming all their time with no end in sight.  Our text speaks to such matters.  Everyone faces trials.  Some trials can appear Goliath like.  But God is aware of what we are going through, and He can even use our trials for good in our lives.

“Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Someone has said that life is 10% circumstances, and 90% what we make of them.  “When in trouble and in doubt run in circles, scream and shout,” might be the response of some, but God calls us, as believers, to something better.  He has called us to “joy” (Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:16).  “Joy” is not the same as “happiness.”  Happiness is a worldly commodity that is realized to the extent that one’s circumstances measure up to one’s expectations.  “Joy,” on the other hand, is that Spirit-borne contentment of the soul that is sourced ultimately in one’s relationship with God (Galatians 5:22; Romans 15:13).

One key to responding to trials appropriately is realizing (i.e., “for you know;” James 1:2) that God has a purpose in them.  The awareness of adults and infants leads to contrasting reactions in the dentist’s chair, for the adult realizes why they are there. The realization of what God is accomplishing in us amidst the trials we face makes a lot of difference in how we respond (Romans 5:3-4, 8:28).

In trials, faith is tested, as gold is refined by fire (1 Peter 1:7).  The heat drives the impurities to the surface where they can be removed.  Trials have a way of bringing “spiritual impurities” to the surface in our lives.  Attitudes, words, and actions—that are inconsistent to who we are in Christ—are made apparent.  The Spirit identifies such things to us through the Word, so that we can put them off during the process of spiritual growth into Christ-like maturity.

It is the knowledge of this reality that helps us to maintain a positive perspective (Romans 8:28).  Trials are not just problems, but teachable moments in God’s divine classroom. He uses them to shape us into Christlikeness.  God is so good at turning things around!  I love the truth that is found in 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”  The trials you are now facing might not seem light and momentary now, but they are so when weighed against the eternal weight of glory that awaits you in heaven. “We do not lose heart” because we are aware of this reality (2 Corinthians 4:16)!

Andrew Murray was suffering from a terribly painful back, when a woman who was in trouble came to him asking for counsel.  He passed on to her some advice he had just written for himself: “In time of trouble, say:

  • First, He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this place: in that fact I will rest.
  • Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.
  • Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.
  • Last, In His good time He can bring me out again—how and when He knows.

Therefore, say I am here, (1) By God’s appointment, (2) In His keeping, (3) Under His training, (4) For His time.”

The key to rejoicing amidst trials is the realization that God is using them to build in us Christlike character!

There’s joy that no language or thought can express,
It comes from His presence divine;
And when in His likeness at last I awake,
Its fullness I know will be mine!

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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