Smiling Through Trials - Amy Sapp

Smiling Through Trials

James 1:2-4

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Today, I want to talk about a topic that touches every one of us: TRIALS. I am sure you have heard this before..

"You are either going through a trial, you just got out of one, or you will be going through one soon."

Life can be full of unexpected challenges—health issues, financial struggles, difficult relationships—but as daughters of the King, we have a unique calling. Not only are we called to endure trials, but we are called to smile through them. How is this possible? How can we “count it all joy” when life feels overwhelming?

1. The Reason Behind Trials

Trials are a part of every Christian's journey. James 1:2 doesn’t say if you fall into trials but when. Trials are inevitable because we live in a "sin cursed" world, but they are not without purpose.

• God allows trials to grow our faith.

Verse 3 reminds us, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Trials are tools in God’s hands, refining us like gold in the fire. When we understand that our struggles are not meaningless, we can face them with a different attitude.

• God is building our endurance.

Endurance / patience, is spiritual strength. Every time we face a trial, God is strengthening us for what lies ahead. Think of an athlete training for a race. The discomfort is necessary for growth. The same way God uses trials to prepare us for His greater purposes.

2. The Power of Joy in Trials

You may be wondering, “How can I smile through my pain?” Joy in trials is not about denying reality; it’s about choosing to trust God in the middle of it. Choosing JOY really is a choice!

• Joy is rooted in God’s promises.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” When we trust that God is working everything for our good, it gives us a reason to rejoice, even in our hard times.

• Joy is a testimony to others.

When the world sees us smiling through trials, they will wonder about the source of our strength. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Our joy points others to Christ and shows that He is enough, even in life’s darkest moments. It is our testimony for HIM.

3. Practical Steps to Smile Through Trials

Smiling through trials doesn’t come naturally—it’s a choice we make daily. Here are three practical steps to help us live out what He has called us to do:

a. Keep Your Eyes on Jesus - Focus on HIM.

Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” Jesus faced the ultimate trial, yet He endured it with joy because He saw the bigger picture. When we focus on Him, our trials become smaller in comparison to His glory and grace.

b. Lean on God’s Word / Let it become real to YOU!

Psalm 119:92 says, “Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.” The Bible is our source of comfort and strength. Memorize promises like Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

c. Cultivate a Thankful Heart / Be GRATEFUL for EVERY thing!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Gratitude shifts our focus from what we are missing to what we have. Start a gratitude journal and list three blessings every day, even during trials. This habit will transform your perspective.

4. Biblical Examples of Smiling Through Trials

The Bible is full of examples of men and women who smiled through their own trials by trusting God:

• Joseph: Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, yet he remained faithful. Genesis 50:20 reveals his perspective: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good.”

• Paul and Silas: In Acts 16, they were beaten and thrown into prison, yet they sang hymns at midnight. Their joy led to a miraculous earthquake and the salvation of the jailer and his family.

• Jesus: Our ultimate example, who endured the cross with joy, knowing the redemption it would bring. HE could have called 10,000 angels!

5. The Promise of Joy Eternal

Ladies, the trials of this life are temporary, but the JOY of eternity is forever. Revelation 21:4 promises, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” When we focus on the eternal joy that awaits us, we can endure anything with a smile.

Smiling through trials isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about "choosing joy" because we trust in a God who is faithful, who loves us, and who is working all things for our good. Let’s be women who shine the light of Christ, even in the darkest times.

Whatever you’re facing, you’re not alone. God is with you, strengthening you, and giving you a reason to smile.