July 4: Stand Firm in Trials

 Stand Firm in Trials

Theme: The Perseverance of Job

Sharon Campbell-Danvers 
Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church 

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. James 5:11 (KJV)

Job's story reminds us that endurance through suffering is not in vain. Though stripped of his possessions, health, and even the support of loved ones, Job did not curse God. He questioned, he wrestled, but he stood firm. And in the end, God revealed His mercy, restored Job, and honored his steadfastness. We count them happy who endure—not because the trial is easy, but because the outcome reveals the heart of God: full of compassion and tender mercy.

This kind of perseverance is also reflected in the life of Esther. Her story speaks of a people targeted for destruction, an evil plot born of pride and hatred, and a young woman who had to choose between comfort and calling. At first, Esther remained silent, tucked safely within the palace walls. But silence does not equal safety. Mordecai’s words pierced through her fear: Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone will escape. The threat was real, and the moment demanded courage.

In the face of danger, Esther called for a fast. For three days, the nation prayed and sought the face of God. Then, in holy boldness, Esther approached the king, risking her life to intercede for her people. God moved. The trap set by Haman turned back on him. What was meant for destruction became a divine reversal. The enemy’s weapon became the means of his own fall.

This is more than a historical account, it is a spiritual truth still playing out today. God’s people continue to face accusation, hostility, and opposition. The enemy still schemes, still stirs up envy and malice, still attempts to silence the voice of righteousness. But we are not powerless. The church must not sleep in times of war. We must rise in prayer, stand firm in faith, and trust that the God who delivered Job and Esther is still working behind the scenes.

In 1996, I was introduced to the Seventh-day Adventist Church during one of the most difficult seasons of my life. The message captured my heart and ignited a fire in me to serve God. I was introduced not only to faith, but to service and discipleship. I saw how young people were trained—not just to serve God, but to serve humanity. Even though many of us, because of our faith, have faced missed opportunities and been held back, I have learned that God is still in control.

Sometimes I feel like Daniel and the three Hebrew boys in Babylon—standing firm in foreign and hostile territory. But even then, like Esther, I keep praying. Like Job, I let God fight for His people. The same God who delivered in ancient days still walks with His people through persecution in every age. These moments draw me closer to Jesus. And I’ve come to realize, it is a sad place to be when one begins to fight against God’s people, especially when they pray.

So today, I ask that you pause and pray for those of us who are being persecuted for our faith. Let us lift each other up, knowing that God hears, God sees, and God will deliver.

Prayer:

Lord, give me the strength to stand firm in trials, like Job, and the courage to rise in faith, like Esther. When fear whispers silence, help me to speak, pray, and act in obedience. Turn every trap of the enemy into a testimony of Your mercy. I trust in Your justice, and I rest in Your compassion. Strengthen those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Wrap them in Your peace and empower them to endure. Let Your justice shine, and let Your name be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.