Finding myself challenged today. Not understanding The turmoil of the day, but finding some peace in the words of James. Drawing directly from James 1:2-4, emphasizes the seemingly “crazy talk” that believers should “consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds”. This isn’t a call for naive optimism, but rather an invitation to embrace an “upside-down world” view, where God uses difficulty to set us “right-side up”.
In a sermon delivered by Louie Giglio, he masterfully employs the metaphor of Michelangelo sculpting David from a block of marble. Just as the master sculptor chipped away the excess to reveal the masterpiece within, so too does God, the ultimate “chiseler,” use the “hammer and chisel” of trials to refine and shape us. These hardships, whether they be as profound as a cancer diagnosis or as prolonged as Andrew Brunson’s unjust imprisonment, are not arbitrary punishments. Instead, they are the very tools through which God brings forth a mature and complete version of ourselves, “not lacking anything”. The “testing of your faith,” Giglio asserts, “develops perseverance”, an enduring strength forged in the crucible of tribulation.
This understanding is deeply rooted in the foundation of our salvation in Christ, which undeniably surpasses any present suffering. Our purpose, then, is not merely to “overcome” hardships in a display of human resilience. Rather, it is to reveal to all those around us how we navigate and triumph through these hardships with Jesus Christ. When we “cheer on the chiseler”, we are actively participating in God’s transformative work, demonstrating to a watching world the unwavering hope and peace that only Christ can provide. In every trial, our response becomes a living testimony, showcasing that our ultimate victory is not in the absence of pain, but in the steadfast presence of our Savior, who walks with us, refines us, and ultimately brings us through to His glory.
In his sermon, “Finding Joy in the Process and the Pain,” Louie Giglio emphasizes that the Book of James focuses on a practical, impactful faith that transforms every aspect of one’s life [00:00]. He explains that James defines “religious” as a person of faith in Jesus, not someone who merely performs rituals [00:39]. Giglio highlights James 1:2-4, stating that believers should “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” [04:20]. This “crazy talk” in an “upside-down world” is God’s way of setting us right-side up [06:15]
Giglio likens God’s work in believers to Michelangelo sculpting David from marble [10:32]. Just as Michelangelo chipped away excess to reveal the figure within, God uses the “hammer and chisel” of trials to bring out the mature and complete version of ourselves, “not lacking anything” [11:53]. He stresses that trials are inevitable and should be embraced with joy because “the testing of your faith develops perseverance” [14:22]. This perseverance, the ability to “stay up under something,” strengthens believers, much like training for a marathon builds physical endurance [21:44].
Giglio challenges listeners to redefine their view of hardship, moving beyond superficial complaints (like a wrong coffee order) to acknowledge severe difficulties like cancer, addiction, and public attacks [18:05]. He contrasts trivial inconveniences with the profound suffering endured by individuals like Andrew Brunson, who was imprisoned in Turkey for 735 days [36:44]. Giglio urges listeners to:
- Get ready for hardship, understanding it as part of God’s process [33:07].
- Thank God for the hardship, as it leads to maturity and completeness [34:06].
- Reshape their view of suffering, recognizing it as God’s tool to refine them [36:32].
- Lean on Jesus, rather than blaming Him, in times of difficulty [40:52]
Ultimately, Giglio encourages believers to “cheer on the chiseler,” trusting that God is using pain to transform them into the full, glorious version of themselves [43:08].
I know that trials come and struggles are real. It’s the product of sin. It’s a product of standing with distance between ourselves and God, our Creator. It is not very easy during those times when you do yourself facing something that doesn’t seem possible and almost certainly does not feel like something we will ever feel better.
I hope you never go through something that takes your wind away the way mine is pulled for my sail. But if you ever do, I pray that God holds you close and I pray that that it’s the saving Grace of Jesus Christ pours over you like A refreshing waterfall cleansing you and reminding you that there are good times ahead when we walk in Christ.
I love you my friends. I love you in Christ.