Struggles That Shape Joy

We often see the struggles of life as nothing but sorrow, something to escape from in pursuit of a peaceful and joy-filled existence. That’s the natural way the world views hardship. Yet the Bible gives us a surprising perspective: “Consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). Quite the opposite of our instinct, Scripture reminds us that struggles are not obstacles to joy, but pathways that shape it.

How can struggles bring Joy ?

[James 1:2-4 NIV] 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

• We often pray for a life without trials, believing joy comes only when struggles are absent. But Scripture teaches us the opposite. God’s desire is not a shallow happiness, but a deep, lasting joy that comes from knowing, worshipping, and depending on Him.

• Here James says (Order changed for ease of understanding) “whenever you face trials of many kinds, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,”

• Notice the emphasis: many kinds of trials, not just one. Even a single trial often frustrates us, yet God calls us to rejoice when they come in abundance. Why?

• Because trials force us to depend on Jesus Christ.

• In the dark valleys, His hand comforts us: [Psalm 23:4 NIV] 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

• As we lean on Him, He strengthens our faith, reminding us: [James 1:17 NIV]  17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

• When Christ walks with us in struggles, two fruits always appear:

  • Peace instead of confusion (Satan brings confusion).         

  • Patience instead of panic (Satan drives panic).

• Together, peace and patience build perseverance. And perseverance matures our faith until we lack nothing: [James 1:4 NIV] 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

• This is God’s promise: struggles are not sent to destroy us but to grow us. Trials are the very antidote He uses to bring spiritual maturity, completeness, and joy that cannot be shaken.

Pauls Life Example of Suffering (Many Kind)

Paul’s ministry was marked by suffering, yet he did not shrink from it. Instead, he boasted in his sufferings—seeing them not as shame, but as a joy and privilege. For Paul, every trial became a stage where the glory of God was revealed through his weakness.

Paul recounts his experiences of suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:22–33, not to magnify his own struggles, but to highlight the glory of God revealed through them. These hardships, far from self-boasting, serve as a testimony of God’s sustaining power. His sufferings can be grouped into six categories.

1. General hardships: [2 Corinthians 11:23 NIV] 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.

• Worked much harder

• Imprisoned more frequently

• Flogged more severely

• Exposed to death again and again

2. Specific persecutions: [2 Corinthians 11:24-25 NIV] 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,

• Five times he received 39 lashes from the Jews.

• Three times beaten with rods.

• Once stoned (Acts 14:19, Lystra).

• Three times shipwrecked.

• Spent a night and a day adrift at sea.

3. Perils in travel: [2 Corinthians 11:26 NIV] 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.

• In danger from rivers (floods, crossings).

• In danger from robbers.

• In danger from his own people (Jews).

• In danger from Gentiles.

• In danger in the city.

• In danger in the wilderness.

• In danger at sea.

• In danger from false brothers (betrayals).

4. Exhaustion and deprivation: [2 Corinthians 11:27 NIV] 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

• In weariness and toil – constant hard work.

• In sleeplessness often.

• In hunger and thirst.

• In fasting’s often (sometimes voluntary, often forced).

• In cold and nakedness.

5. Inner suffering: [2 Corinthians 11:28-29 NIV] 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

• Daily concern for all the churches – spiritual burden.

• Felt the weakness of others deeply.

• Burned with indignation when believers stumbled.

6. A personal incident : [2 Corinthians 11:32-33 NIV] 32 In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. 33 But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.

• In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas tried to arrest him.

• Paul was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped.

When we reflect on all that Paul endured, our own complaints seem almost childish in comparison. As if his countless trials were not enough, Paul was also given a thorn in the flesh—a constant torment. Yet, even in this, the goodness of God worked to keep him humble. He admits in

[2 Corinthians 12:6-7 NIV] 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, 7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

How Did Paul Find Joy in Suffering?

[2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV] 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Paul’s ability to rejoice in suffering was rooted in one central truth: God’s GRACE.

• Grace in Suffering: Every trial Paul faced was met with God’s grace—grace to endure the pain and grace to be strengthened in weakness. Grace is God’s provision for every need at the very moment we need it. In His grace, God gives us what we do not deserve; in His mercy, He withholds what we do deserve.

• Sufficient Grace: God’s grace is never in short supply. It is sufficient for our spiritual calling (2 Cor. 3:4–6), our material needs (2 Cor. 9:8), and even our physical weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). If His grace was enough to save us, surely it is enough to sustain and strengthen us through suffering.

• Strengthening Grace: God often allows us to become weak so that His strength may rest on us. As the Lord told Paul: “My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9, NIV). This is not a one-time event but an ongoing process.

• Transformation, Not Substitution: When Paul prayed for his thorn to be removed, he asked for substitution—health instead of sickness, relief instead of pain. But God’s answer was transformation. He did not take away the affliction; instead, He gave Paul grace so that the affliction worked for him, not against him.

• The Gift of the Thorn: Paul came to see his thorn as a strange but purposeful gift from God—designed to keep him humble and dependent. Accepting this gift allowed God’s grace to flow freely in his life.

• Grace Brings Revelation: As Paul sought God in prayer, he received not an explanation but a promise: “My grace is sufficient for you.” We do not live on explanations; we live on promises. Feelings may change, but God’s promises remain unshakable. Promises build faith, and faith strengthens hope.

• Righteous Suffering: In the end, Paul embraced his suffering as a privilege for Christ’s sake. What others would see as a curse, Paul recognized as righteous suffering—an opportunity for Christ’s power and glory to be revealed. 1 Peter 2:19-21 NIV] 19 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. 20 But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

Summary

• At times, our suffering comes from our own mistakes or disobedience.

• Yet, suffering is also a tool in God’s hands for shaping godly character (Romans 5:1–5).

• Every trial carries a purpose: God uses it to correct us or to mature us in our walk with Him. As James reminds us: James [ 1:3-4 NIV ] 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

• Don’t lose heart in the midst of suffering. Instead, seek God in prayer—ask Him what He wants to change in you and how He wants His glory to be revealed through you. Lean on Him for strength and deepen your faith.

• God’s promise is sure: once we pass through life’s storms, we will be shaped and strengthened to stand firm against even greater storms ahead.

• Remember, struggles are temporary. As Peter says: - [1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV] 12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.

• As children of God, we not only share in His blessings but also in His sufferings [Philippians 1:29 NIV] 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him

• Therefore, when you face struggles, let them become opportunities to glorify God—and in doing so, you will discover joy even in the midst of pain.