I Can't Even: How Trials Make You Stronger (Not Just Sadder)

Ever had one of those days—or years—when you just wanted to scream, “I CAN’T EVEN”? Yeah. Same.

We’re kicking off a blog series inspired by the book of James, Jesus’ half-brother, who wasn’t afraid to get real about life being hard. But instead of saying, “Yeah, just survive,” James tells us something better: Your suffering isn’t pointless. It’s part of your growth plan.

Honestly, I get it. I once walked through a health battle that sidelined everything in my life—work, ministry, even basic energy. I prayed for healing like it was my job, and when it didn’t come, I thought, “Well, I guess this is it.” But somewhere in the silence, Jesus whispered: “I’m not here to crush you. I’m here to develop you.”

James comes in hot with this message:  “Maturity means your faith leaves a footprint.”
In other words, your belief in Jesus should show up in how you respond to trials—not just when everything's going great.

Trials Are Not Just for Surviving—They're for Training

James says in chapter 1:  "Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials..."
Not because it feels joyful (spoiler: it doesn’t), but because God is doing something with it. Through pain, He’s building endurance. Through endurance, He’s shaping you into someone “complete, lacking nothing.”

This isn't the gym kind of training—it’s soul-deep, tear-through-your-pride, lean-on-Jesus training. God isn’t trying to break you down; He’s trying to build you up.

But Wait, Isn’t This Just “Try Harder” Christianity
No, let’s be clear—this isn’t about muscling through on your own. James reminds us to ask for wisdom when we’re in the middle of mess, and to ask in faith. Not perfect faith, but real faith. The kind that says, “God, I don’t get this, but I still want what You want.”

Here’s the twist: God never said you had to enjoy trials—but He did say He’d use them. And that’s grace. God doesn’t waste anything. Even your worst day is material for your spiritual transformation.

Jesus Himself modeled this. When Jesus' friend Lazarus died, Jesus felt every emotion—He wept, got angry, and still stayed confident in His Father’s plan. That’s your permission slip: you can feel it all, but still trust God.

Practical Steps to “Even When You Can’t Even”

• Take the Long View  |  Zoom out. This moment isn't your whole story. Let God grow you through it.
• Ask God for Personalized Wisdom  |  Not just any advice—His direction for your situation.
• Watch for the Footprint  |  Where is your faith leaving a mark? Even a small step counts.

A Prayer for When You’re in the Thick of It
Jesus, this is hard. I don’t love this pain, but I believe You’re doing something with it. Give me the patience to wait, the faith to stay steady, and the wisdom to know my next step. Shape me into someone who reflects You—even when it hurts. Amen.

So here’s the question for you:

Where do you need to stop saying, “I can’t even,” and start asking, “What is God developing in me?”

Let me know in the comments—or send it in a prayer. Either way, I’m rooting for you. 👊 #FaithLeavesAFootprint #YesYouCanEven

Need a little more encouragement?  Watch the message below for more content.