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A Faith That Isn’t Troubled by Troubles

Did you know that God has a purpose for your problems? In fact, the first chapter of the book of James is all about how your faith can get you through your difficulties. In this message, Pastor Rick kicks off our series, A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t, by offering four facts to remember about difficulties, as well as three purposes for problems and four healthy ways to respond to them.

March 22, 2020 | Rick Warren
More from this series

Three Essential Questions
After watching the message take some time reflect on the following three questions.

  • What did you hear?
  • What do you think?
  • What will you do?

ACTION PLAN:If you are not in a small group, send an email toPastorRick@saddleback.comand he will get you connected to an online group.

"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations. Greetings!"James 1:1

"Whenall kinds of trials crowd into your lives, don't
resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize they come to test your faith, and to produce in you the quality of endurance.  But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will become a person of mature character and integrity with no weak spots." James 1:2-6 (Phillips)

4 FACTS TO REMEMBER ABOUT DIFFICULTIES

  • Problems are inevitable
    • "WHEN all kinds of trials crowd into your lives…" James 1:2a
  • Problems are variable
    • "When ALL KINDS of trials crowd into your lives…"James 1:2b
  • Problems are unpredictable
    • "When all kinds of trials CROWD INTO your lives … as INTRUDERS…" James 1:2c
  • Problems are purposeful
    • "Realize that they come…to produce in you…" James 1:2d

ACTION PLAN:Your success in handling problems is determined by your understanding and attitude toward them! In your quiet time this week, talk with God about the problems you are facing. Ask him what type of attitude He wants you to have towards them.

3 PURPOSES OF DIFFICULTIESJames 1:3-4

  • Problems test my faith
      • "Realize they come to test your faith …"  James 1:3a (Ph)
  • Problems develop my endurance
      • "…and to produce in you the quality of endurance." James 1:3b (Ph)
  • Problems mature my character
      • "But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed and you will become a person of mature character and integrity with no weak spots!" James 1:4 (Ph)

HOW SHOULD I RESPOND TO DIFFICULTIES?

  • Rejoice!
    • We don't rejoice FOR the problem, but IN the problem. We know God can bring good out of bad!
    • "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials…" James 1:1 (NIV)
  • Request – ask for wisdom!
    • "If, in the process, any of you doesn't know how to meet any particular problem, you only have to ask God-who gives generously to all men without making them feel guilty – and you may be sure that the necessary wisdom will be given to you." James 1:7 (PH)
  • Relax
    • "But you must ask in sincere faith, without secret doubts." James 1:8 (Ph)
  • Remember God's promise
    • "Blessed is the PERSON who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12 (NIV)

ACTION PLAN:Take the following steps this week.

  • Encourage others to watch this message.
  • Set up a virtual Small Group online to discuss this.
  • If you're not yet in a Small Group, email me atPastorRick@saddleback.comand I'll get you connected!
  • If you're not getting the DAILY Saddleback@Home Newsletter during the crisis email me!PastorRick@saddleback.com

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A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t
March 15 - November 8, 2020Watch Series
  • A Faith That Walks Through the Valley of Virus
    March 15, 2020
  • A Faith That Isn’t Troubled by Troubles
    March 22, 2020
  • A Faith That Makes Tough Choices Easier
    March 29, 2020
  • A Faith That Counters My Bad Habits
    April 5, 2020
  • A Faith That Anchors Me In Storms
    April 19, 2020
  • A Faith That Leads To Emotional Health: Part 1
    May 3, 2020
  • A Faith That Leads To Emotional Health: Part 2
    May 10, 2020
  • A Faith That Loves My Neighbor As Myself
    May 24, 2020
  • Real Faith Versus Fake Faith
    May 31, 2020
  • A Faith That Plants Seeds Of Peace
    June 7, 2020
  • A Faith That De-Escalates Conflict
    June 21, 2020
  • A Faith That Handles Delays Patiently
    June 27, 2020
  • A Faith That Helps Me Filter What I Say
    July 19, 2020
  • A Faith That Makes Me More Merciful & Less Judgmental
    July 26, 2020
  • A Faith That Keeps Me Hopeful
    August 2, 2020
  • A Faith That Keeps Me From Playing God In The Lives Of Others
    August 9, 2020
  • A Faith for Facing an Uncertain Future
    August 16, 2020
  • A Faith That Reduces Quarreling
    August 23, 2020
  • A Faith That Doesn't Hold On To Hurt
    August 30, 2020
  • A Faith That Passes The Tests Of Life
    September 6, 2020
  • A Faith That Knows The End Of The Story
    September 13, 2020
  • A Faith That Doesn’t Need To Hoard
    September 20, 2020
  • A Faith That Handles Wealth Wisely
    September 27, 2020
  • A Faith That Helps Me See The Truth
    October 4, 2020
  • A Faith Known For Integrity
    October 11, 2020
  • A Faith That Can Transform Weaknesses
    October 18, 2020
  • A Faith That Can Heal Illnesses
    October 25, 2020
  • Having The Mind Of Christ During An Election
    November 1, 2020
  • When Your Plan Doesn’t Match God’s Plan
    November 8, 2020