March 2026 | Victory Over Every Opposition | Youth Sunday
Ministering: Emmanuel Joseph
Text: James 1:1-12.
“1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” NKJV
Our faith is a muscle that will be tested every now and then. Just like our natural muscles are built up by feeding on the right diet and doing exercises, our spiritual muscles also must built up with appropriate spiritual diet and exercises. Tribulations and trials are situations designed to test and build our muscles. James 1 tells us trials and tribulations are a blessing from God as they bring opportunities for divine promotion. Though uncomfortable they are very instrumental to our elevation at every level. Just like no student is promoted without passing tests and exams, we don’t get promoted in the Kingdom without overcoming challenges that come our way.
Tests are the wights God loads onto the bar of your life. Trials are to teach us to persevere by holding onto Christ in everything. Nobody is exempted from trials in the Kingdom. Learn to see trials and tribulations as a divine package to help develop your endurance, character and hope of salvation (Romans 5:3-4).
The Lord Jesus wants us to go through these trials because He has equipped us with all it takes to overcome them through His word. Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Stop disposing resistance and trials, but embrace them. Rather than endure them, enjoy them as scripture tells us to count it all joy! Resistance means growth or an opportunity for growth. Just as a student sees exams as growth opportunities.
What is Faith? Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Heb. 11:1. The Lord Jesus likens faith as a mustard seed (Matt. 17:20). A Mustard seed when planted, watered and nurtured will grow to a tree that produces more mustard seeds.
How Do We Build Our Faith Muscle
- Ask God to give you faith as a Mustard seed – Matt. 7:7
- Strengthen your faith daily by hearing and meditating on God’s word – James 1:22
- Tame your tongue from speaking negatively; speak life, not death. Prov. 18:21
- Guard your Heart diligently as it governs your actions in life.
- Join a faith Community – e.g. a church, home, a group or fellowship in a faith environment.
Reasons for Wavering Faith
- Human reasoning often conflicts with our faith in God’s plan
- Negative counsels from people, the media, etc.
- Focusing on the situation instead of focusing on God, thus, causing worry and anxiety
- People often follow their feelings at the detriment of what God has said.
Benefits of Exercising Your Faith – Exercising and testing of your faith with perseverance guarantees “victory over every opposition”. A victorious Christian is one who has stood the test of trials and tribulations while holding onto their faith in Christ Jesus.
In closing, always believe God is trustworthy and ever there with you in every situation. He is the Same yesterday, today and forever. Heb. 13:8. Doubt is like hunger; you quench it by feeding on the right diet, which is God’s word.
God Bless You, Richly!
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