Strength in Trials: God’s Presence in Tough Times Introduction Welcome Dear Kingdom Business Builders, today we will explore finding strength and guidance through God’s Word. Today, we'll focus on how God's presence can sustain us through our trials, both personally and professionally. Key Scriptures James 1:2-12 (NIV) "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." Psalm 91 (NIV) "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you say, 'The Lord is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.'" Psalm 107:23-32 (NIV) "Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril, their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders." Devotional Facing Trials with Joy James 1 encourages us to view trials as opportunities for growth. This perspective is counterintuitive; it requires faith to see challenges as steppingstones rather than stumbling blocks. In business, setbacks can feel like personal failures, but they are often where our greatest growth occurs. By developing a resilient mindset, we can transform obstacles into opportunities. God's Shelter in Psalm 91 Psalm 91 offers a beautiful promise of protection. When we dwell in God's presence, we find a sanctuary from life's storms. This is not a promise of a trouble-free life, but a reminder of God's constant companionship and protection. In your business, seeking God's guidance through prayer can provide clarity and peace, even when the path forward seems uncertain. Witnessing God’s Works in Psalm 107 In Psalm 107, we see a vivid description of sailors facing a life-threatening storm. Their plight as merchants on the sea is relatable to many business owners navigating uncertain waters. Yet, when they called out to God in their distress, He calmed the storm and led them safely to their desired haven. This passage reminds us of God's power and faithfulness even in our darkest hours. As Kingdom Business Builders, we are not immune to trials; in fact, we may face even greater challenges as we strive to honor God through our work. However, these Scriptures remind us that God's presence can sustain us and bring meaning to our struggles. We can find joy in the midst of hardships by trusting in His guidance Application How can we apply these scriptural principles to our business and personal lives? 1. Embrace Trials as Growth Opportunities 2. Seek God’s Presence 3. Daily Prayer and Meditation 4. Practice Gratitude 5. Support Others Prayer Heavenly Father, we come before You with gratitude for Your unwavering presence in our lives. As we face trials and challenges, we ask for Your strength and guidance to see these moments as opportunities for growth. Help us to embrace each obstacle with a resilient spirit, trusting that You are using them to refine us and draw us closer to You. Lord, we seek Your protection as described in Psalm 91. May we find refuge under Your mighty wings and feel Your comforting presence in our daily lives. Grant us the wisdom to seek Your guidance in every decision we make, both in our personal lives and in our business endeavors. We acknowledge Your power and faithfulness as witnessed in Psalm 107. In times of uncertainty and distress, remind us to call out to You, knowing that You have the power to calm the storms of our lives and lead us to safety. Fill our hearts with peace and clarity, especially when the path ahead seems unclear. Father, help us to cultivate a heart of gratitude. Even in difficult times, may we always find reasons to praise You and recognize Your blessings. Inspire us to foster a supportive community around us, encouraging and uplifting one another as we strive to honor You in all that we do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen. Conclusion Trials are inevitable, but they don't have to break us. With God's presence and guidance, we can find strength and peace amid adversity. Remember to lean on Him, practice gratitude, and support one another. Doing so will not only fortify your faith but also positively impact your business and personal life. If you need further encouragement or guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your community at Kingdom Business Builders. Together, we can grow stronger through our trials and triumphs. Reflection Questions