Someone once said, “Happiness is not the absence of problems…it’s the ability to deal with them.” (Anonymous)

Everyone faces disappointments in life. You can’t live this life without experiencing more than your fair share, and sometimes even more than you feel you can handle. How do we redeem bad experiences and turn them to good? How do some people advance through their adversities and turn their trials into triumphs? And why are some overcome and overrun by their obstacles instead of overcoming them? Persevering through problems is vital if we are going to “grow” through our pain.

Paul says in James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” It takes faith to trust God during times of disappointment — but we can trust Him. He says that He will redeem our disappointments and turn them into the raw material that makes perseverance and that leads to maturity in our lives. It may not feel like it in the moment, but God tells us, “Lean into Me and I will help you through whatever disappointment you are facing!”

C.S. Lewis said, “God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specifically armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain.” What is your disappointment? Give it to God. Pray about it. Trust Him. God wants to give you strength as you live out James 1:2-4.