Sunday Sermon: Trials and Triumphs, Trusting God Through the Storm

by Minister Denise N. Fyffe

As I reflect on the trials of 2015, I can say without hesitation that it was a year that put my faith, my endurance, and my patience to the test. The journey has not been easy. Many of you may resonate with this. You know what it’s like when life hits hard, when financial struggles and setbacks come at you like a relentless storm. For me, the year felt like a battle, a trial by poverty, and though my spirit remains uplifted, the weight of the challenges was heavy.

In 2009, when the recession hit Jamaica hard, I was among those affected. My financial situation deteriorated, and despite doing everything I could, things continued to fall apart. But 2015 took the challenge to a new level. After a surgery in late 2014, I found myself with a debt of half a million Jamaican dollars. To make matters worse, I hadn’t been able to work for nearly two months. The calls from bill collectors were relentless, but sympathy was scarce.

The Reality of Trials

Financial hardship is a burden that so many of us face, but it’s not the only trial. Whether it’s sickness, relationship struggles, or spiritual battles, we all have seasons where we are tested in ways we never thought possible. For me, as I grappled with debt and the pressure to meet obligations, it felt like every step forward was met with resistance. Yet, in all of this, I have never been more spiritually strong. I have come to understand that God doesn’t only test us to see whether we can bear the weight of the trial, but to reveal how we bear it.

I won’t sugarcoat it—it’s hard. Psalm 37:25 (NLT) has been a scripture I’ve clung to in the darkest times: “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.” Despite the challenges, this scripture reassured me that God had not forsaken me, nor will He forsake you. The trials we face are not meant to break us down for good, but to build us up.

Why Do We Experience Trials?

As Christians, we often ask: Why do we go through such painful and difficult trials? If God loves us, why does He allow us to face these tribulations? The truth is, trials serve a divine purpose. They refine our faith, they strengthen our character, and they prepare us for greater things. Here are some reasons why trials are necessary for our growth:

• Trials come to prove you.
• Trials come to strengthen you.
• Trials come to break you—but not destroy you, instead, they reshape you into something stronger.
• Trials come to change you into the best version of yourself.
• Trials come to provide spiritual warfare training.
• Trials come to develop godly character and patience.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV), “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Suffering is temporary. The trials we face are for a season, but the restoration and strength that God provides are eternal.

Encouragement Through Scripture

The Word of God is full of promises for those who endure trials. When we remain steadfast in faith, God assures us that we will come through, stronger and more refined. James 1:12 (ESV) reminds us, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Here are more scriptures that have encouraged me, and I pray they encourage you too:

• Romans 12:12 (ESV): “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
  Even in the midst of hardship, we are called to be patient, to hold on to hope, and to keep our eyes fixed on God through prayer.
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
  God will not allow us to face more than we can bear. When the trials come, He will provide a way through.
• John 16:33 (ESV): “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
  Jesus reminds us that trials are inevitable, but through Him, we can have peace knowing that He has already overcome.
• Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
  Even when the weight of the world feels overwhelming, God’s peace is available to us. He guards our hearts when we release our worries to Him in prayer.
• Exodus 14:14 (ESV): “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
  There are battles we do not need to fight ourselves. Trust in the Lord, and let Him handle the heavy lifting.

Trusting in God’s Faithfulness

In the face of trials, it’s easy to become discouraged, frustrated, and overwhelmed. But I remind myself daily of Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” I don’t need to understand everything that is happening—I just need to trust in the One who does. I know that God will release me from this burden in time, and He will release you from yours as well.

Conclusion

As I encourage myself in the Lord, I encourage you as well. Trials are not the end of your story. They are part of God’s refining process, shaping us into vessels for His glory. Though the road may be hard, God is with us, guiding us through the storm and teaching us to rely on Him fully.

I encourage you to hold fast to your faith in the midst of your trials. Let the Word of God be your anchor, and trust that He will provide the strength, wisdom, and peace you need. Remember that your trials are temporary, but God’s love and His promises are eternal.

Closing Prayer

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging the trials and tribulations we face in this life. Lord, we thank You for Your faithfulness and for the assurance that You are with us in every storm. Strengthen us, Father, as we endure, and help us to trust in Your perfect plan. We know that You are refining us for a greater purpose, and we submit ourselves to Your will. Let Your peace guard our hearts, and may we emerge from these trials stronger and more in love with You. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you, and may He give you peace in the midst of your trials. Trust in Him, for He is faithful, and He will see you through every storm. Amen.

I hope you find today’s sermon helpful and applicable to your life. I pray that the Word of God works effectively in your life.

Be encouraged and stay blessed.

 

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The Invitation

I invite you today to take a deep look at yourself and reflect on your life. Are you searching for something more? Are you satisfied with how things are today? Is God calling you to bconfess your sins, be baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Have you been ignoring him? Have you been facing immense hardships and challenges? What can you do to take the first step?

Trust God to help you with that first step.

Be encouraged.

Be bold.

Click here to understand how to Answer the Call or answer the Altar Call.

It shall be well with you, in Jesus mighty name.

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And remember, be encouraged.

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About the writer:

Minister Denise N. Fyffe is a devoted Christian, author, and servant of God, whose life is guided by her faith and values. Since accepting Jesus Christ at a young age, she has made it her mission to share her journey. She also shares her knowledge of the Bible with others. Besides her passion for writing, Minister Fyffe is actively involved in outreach, Christian mentorship, and ministering the Word of God.