Ever hit a wall and asked, “What’s the point?” You’re not alone. Pain has a way of clouding vision. But God’s purposes often unfold in places we’d rather avoid. He’s not ignoring your pain—He’s using it. In His hands, even your lowest moments become a setup for growth, revelation, and intimacy. 

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 NIV 

How can “joy” and “trials” exist in the same sentence? 

It seems contradictory at first, but maybe it's because God sees something we don’t. Too often, our focus is on the win—the result, the dream, the happiness that comes from the destination. And while there's nothing inherently wrong with that, if our goal is purely the outcome, we miss the deeper purpose. We miss the point. We worship a God who has already won (1 John 5:4). 

This means we aren't striving for victory; we are living from victory. With this assurance, our striving can cease, our fears can be silenced, and we can recognize that the journey—whether painful or pleasant—isn’t about the end result. It’s about what’s happening within.  

You are the point.  

When you understand this, you unlock a joy that transcends outcomes. This joy doesn’t come from reaching the goal but from becoming who God created you to be through the process, regardless of the obstacles. The point is your character being refined so you can be everything God created you to be.  

The book of James expresses this truth so powerfully: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because… The word “because” is key here, reminding us that God doesn’t allow trials without purpose. As the passage continues, …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 NIV). This proves that it's not merely about reaching the end goal, but about what the process cultivates within you—perseverance, maturity, and wholeness.  

Though God is not the author of pain, He is a God who works all things together for good, if we allow Him to (Romans 8:28). That means, trials are tools in God's hands, shaping you into who He created you to be. He uses the trials not to break us, but to make us into the mature, complete children He’s always intended us to be—lacking nothing. Our trials aren't just hurdles to overcome, but opportunities for growth. 

If you’re facing a trial today, the Bible calls you to embrace it with joy because God is doing a deep work—within you. He’s refining you, preparing you, and creating within you a character that reflects His glory. He’s working out of you what can’t go with you. What you're going through isn't just about the destination or the dream; it's about you—about who you're becoming in the process.  

You’re the point.  

Instead of resisting the process, be grateful. In fact, be full of joy! Say, "I see what you're doing here, God. Though I don’t like it, I know that you love me and you’re refining me. Thank You for refining me. Thank You for using every trial to bring out the best in me. Though this tests me, it won’t break me. You’re shaping me into everything You've promised I would be." Joy isn’t found in escaping the hard times; it’s found in knowing that God is using everything for your good. \

Steps to Take: 

Step 1: Name the Pain 
Write down what’s been hardest to walk through lately. Don’t avoid it—face it. 
👉 Practical tip: Journal: “God, I don’t understand this, but I trust You’ll use it.” 

Step 2: Reframe the Struggle 
Ask, “What is this pain producing in me?” 
👉 Practical tip: Meditate on James 1:2-4 and circle every word that reveals growth. 

Step 3: Praise in the Middle 
Worship not because of the outcome—but because He’s with you in it. 
👉 Practical tip: Play one worship song that declares joy in trials. 

💥 You’re not being broken—you’re being built. God wastes nothing. Not even this. 

If you’ve ever asked, “What’s the point?” let Him show you. Watch my video on how to start your day with purpose, explore my book, or tune into my podcast to find meaning in the mess.