Faith That Endures: Holding On When Life Comes Apart

What an honor it is to be with you again here at Church on Main. Your church has a rich heritage and legacy of being faithful in the Word, missions, evangelism, and ministry—all the things a New Testament church is called to do. You are truly a blessed people, and I know you know that. You have a wonderful staff, and you just experienced a moment of worship. Praise God for all He has done through you for so many years. What a legacy! And I’m grateful for your pastor—Brother Brian, a dear friend—and for the opportunity to share with you today.

A Legacy of Faith—and a God Who Isn’t Limited by Calendars

As we look ahead to the new year, it’s worth remembering that while we measure time in years, weeks, and days, God doesn’t work within those limits. For Him, eternity has no calendars or clocks. Some of you who might be perpetually late, you’ll be glad to know that won’t matter in eternity! God has a plan that moves forward regardless of whether it’s 2024, 2025, or 3025. Yet, because we are finite, we break life down into segments.

As we close out 2024 and prepare to enter 2025, none of us knows what the next year holds. That uncertainty can bring anxiety, but let me encourage you with this truth: it’s not our responsibility to dictate what happens in 2025. Our responsibility is to be faithful to the Lord, no matter what comes.

Faith Shines Brightest in Trials

Faith, you see, isn’t best expressed when everything is smooth sailing. No, faith shines brightest in trials, in the moments when life seems to unravel. And make no mistake—2025 will have those moments. Life is full of ups and downs. But as believers, there are certain practices we can hold to, certain principles that not only help us endure the tough times but allow us to grow through them. Today, I want to talk about what to do when your world seems to come undone.

“Count It All Joy”: James’ Radical Call to Grow Through Hardship

Let’s turn to the Book of James. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote this letter around 45–50 AD, making it the first book of the New Testament. It’s packed with practical theology and wisdom for handling life’s uncertainties.

Now, James didn’t initially believe that Jesus was the Messiah. It wasn’t until after the resurrection that he came to faith, and from there, he quickly rose to leadership in the early church. He opens his letter by introducing himself as a bondservant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ and addresses it to the 12 tribes scattered abroad. Why were they scattered? Persecution. These believers were running for their lives, uprooted from their homes, trying to establish some semblance of normalcy in foreign lands. Yet, even in the midst of this hardship, James tells them something radical: “Count it all joy when you face various trials.”

Imagine their circumstances—fleeing persecution, losing family, trying to survive in strange lands. And here comes James saying, “Count it all joy.” Why? Because trials, James says, produce patience, and patience brings about spiritual maturity. There are some lessons in life that can’t be learned from a book; they have to be experienced. You can’t lose weight by watching an exercise video, right? You have to go through the process to see the results.

Three Life Situations, Three God-Honoring Responses (James 5)

James 5 gives us practical instructions for handling difficult times. He identifies three groups of people: those who are suffering, those who are cheerful, and those who are sick.

When Suffering Strikes—Pray

James asks, “Is anyone among you suffering?” The word suffering here refers to enduring hardship or evil treatment—social, physical, emotional, or mental pain. And what does James say to do? Pray.

Now, I know that sounds simple, but don’t overlook the power of it. When we pray, we are engaging the supernatural. Think about 1 Peter 5:7: “Cast all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.” There have been moments in my life when I’ve felt the weight of the world pressing down on me, and I’ve had to physically stop and say, “Lord, I can’t carry this. Please carry it for me.” And He does.

Jonah gives us another example. After being thrown overboard and swallowed by a big fish, Jonah says in Jonah 2:7, “When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord.” Even in his darkest moment, Jonah turned to God, and God was there. Philippians 4:6–7 tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Worry is like sand in the engine of your life—it will wear you down. God didn’t design us to worry; He designed us to rest in Him.

When Joy Overflows—Praise

The second group James addresses are the cheerful. He says, “Let them sing psalms.” Isn’t it amazing how praise can bring light into a dark situation? Singing is take-home theology—it allows us to carry God’s truths in our hearts. When we sing praises, it lifts the spirit, not just for ourselves but for those around us.

When Weariness Wins—Call the Elders

The third group James talks about are the sick. Here, the word sick refers to someone so weary and beaten down that they can’t even pray for themselves. James says to call on the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil. This isn’t about a ritual; it’s about the ministry of presence and touch. Think about Psalm 23:5: “You anoint my head with oil.” Shepherds used oil to soothe and heal their sheep’s wounds. Likewise, the church is called to come alongside the weary, to walk with them, and to minister to their needs.

The Effective, Fervent Prayer of the Righteous: Why It Matters

Finally, James highlights the power of prayer. He says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” That word fervent speaks to intensity—a relentless, unwavering kind of prayer, like Jacob wrestling with the angel, refusing to let go until he received a blessing.

And who is this righteous person? Elijah is our example. He was a man just like us, yet his prayers stopped rain for three and a half years. Why? Because of his faith in God.

When we pray, we tap into God’s power. It’s not the prayer itself that accomplishes much—it’s God working through our prayers. Prayer connects us to the One who holds all things together, the One who sees the end from the beginning.

Facing 2025 With Confidence: Casting Every Care on Him

So, as 2025 approaches, what will you do when tough times come? Will you worry, or will you pray?

Let’s cast our cares on Him and trust Him with everything.