May 2025 Insights

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds”– thus wrote Jesus’ half-brother James. I’ve come to understand his reasoning: God is up to something good in your life through the trial you’re in. He is producing faith, endurance, and maturity in you.

It’s difficult enough to wrestle that out- practically speaking- when there is one hard circumstance, but what about the times when there are “trials of many kinds” that come all at the same time?
 
I’m willing to wager that at some point in your life, you’ve heard someone offer this attempt at encouragement: “Don’t worry, God never gives us more than we can handle!” Not true. Rather, God often gives us more than we can handle. Consider Paul’s experience: “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself” (2 Cor 1:8). Ever been there? Considering that depth of trial as “pure joy” is not easy: actually, it’s humanly impossible. We need supernatural power to endure such things.
 
And that is exactly where Scripture points us: “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead” (2 Cor 1:9b). This reality is the source of Paul’s hope, and, like a life-ring thrown to a drowning man, he throws it out for us to grab onto as the source of our hope. Paul’s confidence comes from the fact that God has delivered us (past), is in the process of delivering us (present) and will deliver us (future): Jesus our Saviour is the same yesterday, today and forever; this is the work He does (2 Cor. 1:10; Heb. 13:8).
 
And by what means is God pleased bring about this deliverance? Through the prayers of the saints: “…as you help us by your prayers” (2 Cor 1:11).
 
So, people of God, pray for us. Pray for me. We are in a season of various trials: accidents and head traumas, staffing changes, weighty counselling situations, marriages under attack, overwhelmed by personal struggles…we need your prayers as we rest in God-who-Saves, and as we seek to “count it pure joy” knowing that God is still doing good in the difficult.
 
To you who also face such trials: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word” (2 Thess. 2:16-17).

Registration is NOW OPEN for our annual Sweet & Savoury Fundraiser taking place Friday, June 6th at The Shed Out back in St. Ann’s! Come and enjoy delectable desserts and charcuterie as we raise funds for the growing need of Biblical Counselling in our community. You will be encouraged and inspired as you hear testimonies of the amazing work God is doing in the hearts of people seeking His redirection in their lives. Insight is committed to keeping counselling fee’s affordable and helping individuals, couples and families regardless of financial constraints. Your financial support makes this possible! Registration is free however an RSVP is required and a free will offering will be taken the evening of the fundraiser. We look forward to having you join us!

Ask us how your church can help members receive Biblical Counselling at a reduced rate by becoming a Church Partner.

Give the gift of hope by subsidizing counselling sessions for those in need.

 Make a donation to Insight here.