Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Joseph
Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and later unjustly imprisoned in Egypt, Joseph remained faithful to God throughout his troubles. Eventually, he rose to a position of great authority in Egypt and played a crucial role in saving his family and many others during a famine. His identity as a righteous and wise leader emerged through the trials he faced (Genesis 37-50).
Moses
Fleeing from Egypt after killing an Egyptian, Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness as a shepherd. When God called him to lead the Israelites out of slavery, Moses faced numerous challenges, including opposition from Pharaoh, the Israelites’ complaints, and even his own self-doubt. These trials shaped Moses into a humble and determined leader who relied on God’s guidance (Exodus 1-14).
David
As a young shepherd, David was chosen by God to be the future king of Israel. Before he could claim the throne, he faced many challenges, including being pursued by the jealous King Saul. Through his trials, David’s identity as a courageous and faithful servant of God emerged, which later defined his rule as king (1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 5).
Esther
As a young Jewish woman living in Persia, Esther was unexpectedly chosen to become queen. When her people faced extermination, she risked her life to approach the king and plead for her people’s deliverance. Through this act of courage, her identity as a selfless and brave leader who was willing to sacrifice for her people was revealed (Esther 1-10).
Daniel
As a young man, Daniel was taken into captivity in Babylon. Despite the pressure to conform to the Babylonian culture, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and commitment to God. Through various trials, including being thrown into a lions’ den, Daniel’s identity as a faithful and wise servant of God was established (Daniel 1-6).
Peter
As one of Jesus’ closest disciples, Peter faced many trials, including denying Jesus during His crucifixion. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter was restored and became a bold and courageous leader in the early church, eventually facing persecution and martyrdom. His identity as a leader and passionate follower of Christ emerged through the challenges he faced (Matthew 26:69-75, Acts 2-4, and John 21).
You
What trials are you facing right now? What troubles are you walking through? How are you responding to them? Are you drawing near to God? Are you holding on to your faith in Jesus? Are you allowing God to refine your character through your trials? Or maybe the opposite is true; are you withdrawing, running away, or hiding? As hard as some seasons may be, know that by embracing the trials and persevering, you are stepping into who you were created to be and revealing your identity to others and yourself, glorifying God in the process.