Unshaken: Enduring Faith - Kevin McKissick
Romans 5:3-5; James 1:1-4

“ 3  Not only so, but we [a]  also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance;  4  perseverance, character; and character, hope.  5  And hope does not put
us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy
Spirit, who has been given to us.”—Romans 5:3-5 (NIV)
“ 1  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered
among the nations: Greetings. 2  Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, [a]  whenever you
face trials of many kinds,  3  because you know that the testing of your faith produces
perseverance.  4  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not
lacking anything.”—James 1:1-4 (NIV)

1. Trials are normal for a consistent Christian life
2. Happiness is an expression of God’s goodness, but joy is an attribute of the Lord that
will never fade.
3. God uses suffering to accomplish his purposes

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
1. Ephesians 6:10-20
2. Nehemiah 8
3. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
4. Job 36:26

TAKE ACTION!
1. How have you conflated happiness and joy?
2. What struggle can you press into for God to refine?
3. How can you use your “shield of faith” offensively?
4. How might you exemplify Christ’s joy to others who are going through trials and
struggles?