“Why does life still feel fragile even when I’m doing everything to protect my peace?” If self-care, comfort, and avoiding stress were enough, wouldn’t we feel stronger by now?

This message wrestles with a quiet tension many of us feel: the more we try to eliminate difficulty, the less resilient we become. Avoidance may calm anxiety in the moment, but it often increases fear and fragility long term. So how do we actually grow through stress, hardship, and uncertainty?

In Epistle of James 1:2–4, we’re told to “consider it pure joy” when trials come—not because pain is good, but because tested faith produces endurance. James isn’t preaching positive thinking. He’s pointing to faith rooted in Jesus Christ—not as a life coach, but as Savior and Lord.

If Jesus is only a teacher, trials are lessons to survive.

If Jesus is King, troubles are tools in His hands.

Real resilience doesn’t come from inner strength or “doing hard things.” It grows through dependence on Christ—trusting Him not just to get us out of difficulty, but to carry us through it.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or crushed by comfort, this conversation invites you to ask a different question:

“How could this test grow my faith and endurance?”

Watch, reflect, and explore what it might mean to build your life on something stronger than comfort.