Suffering can either strengthen our faith or derail it. The difference lies in how we respond, and in where we place our hope when we’re walking through hard times. James 1:1-12 tells us that the trials of life can become opportunities to deepen our faith and to focus our hope. Our response to suffering can be rooted in the reality of Christ’s victory over death and sin, and the promise of eternal life. Because of Jesus, our suffering can work something good inside of us, even if our trials are wreaking havoc all around us. We can rejoice, knowing that God stands ready to offer us the maturity and wisdom we need, and to remind us that suffering and death will not win in the end.