Overcoming Trials and Problems

By Steve Conley

Scripture: James 1:2-12

A1: Actor 1
A2: Actor 2

A1 enters taking to God.

A1: Why God? I’ve been faithful! Why must you allow all of this to fall down on me? Why now? Did I not pray enough? Or read your Word enough? I thought I had this all figured out. I thought…

A2 enters.

A2: A1 I just heard. I’m so sorry.

A1: Thanks, but I’m having a really hard time understanding all of this.

A2: I can only imagine. Is there anything I can do?

A1: Can you make this nightmare go away?

A2: I wish I could.

A1: Can you at least explain all of this mess to me?

A2: I wish I could do that also, but I don’t have all the answers.

A1: Answers! I’ve been praying for answers and all I get is silence.

A2: Sometimes silence is all we need.

A1: Yeah, well I need answers. Where’s God when I need Him most?

A2: God is still here. He will never leave you. You know that.

A1: I know what I believe. I know God is here, but these trials and problems are simply overwhelming.

A2: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

A1: (sarcastic) Wow! You’re sounding real Bible-ish aren’t you!

A2: It’s not my words, its God’s words… from the Bible.

A1: Pure joy? Where do I find joy in a time like this?

A2: From the One who gave you joy to begin with. You must be determined to allow God to work everything out. Faith develops perseverance.

A1: Perseverance? Faith? That’s easy for you to say. You’re not walking in my shoes.

A2: True, but there are many who have been where you are right now, and I know they would be willing to be there for you and help you get through this.

A1: I don’t need anyone right now. I can get through this on my own.

A2: “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

A1: Wow! You sure are handy with the Word. And now you’re telling me I’m acting immature about all of this.

A2: I’m sorry…, but that’s not what I trying to do at all. I’m just trying…

A1: I know. You’re just trying to be helpful.

A2: You’ve never gone through this before. That’s where the immaturity lies. Many of us are immature when it comes to something like this. Mature simply means developed or advanced and I know you, nor myself included, could ever be ready for something like this. That’s where our immaturity comes from.

A1: So what should I do?

A2: Seek wisdom from God through prayer. Seek wisdom from others who have walked this road before you. God says, you should ask and He will give it to you.

A1: But the pain!

A2: I know it must hurt, but you’ve got to persevere. I’ll help you and be there for you and I know many others will also. You will get through this.

A1: Deep down I know it. Deep down I know what to do.

A2: We’ll do it together. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

A1 & A2 exit.

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