Transforming Trials into Triumphs: Six Life Lessons from James Chacko
The narrative of Abraham is a powerful story of resilience. Once regarded as a ‘born loser,’ Abraham faced insurmountable challenges, including losing his home, family, and sense of identity.
Picture Abraham in his home, overwhelmed with despair for what he perceived as failure. The weight of his situation must have been crushing, possibly leading him to believe he had brought this upon himself. Yet amidst this darkness, God called him to look up. What Abraham saw in that moment was a reminder that he was not destined to be defined by his losses but could rise as a ‘winner.’
This impactful moment reminds me that hardships can turn into strength, a lesson that has been constant throughout my journey. Here are six significant lessons I’ve learned during my 57 years of life, including 40 years in full-time ministry. These lessons have directed me toward a hopeful future, influenced by my experiences and the wisdom of others around me.
Lesson 1: Every moment has a purpose.
When unexpected events occur, particularly various forms of suffering, individuals often respond with phrases like: “Everything happens for a reason,” “God has a purpose in this,” or “Remember that God intends this to lead to something good.” These expressions can come across so quickly that they feel like clichés.
My father’s illness during my childhood was a source of deep distress. In those years of struggle, I also experienced rejection, yet these adversities brought me closer to a spiritual awakening. I discovered that God uses our trials to showcase His love and purpose for our lives. Embracing this truth led me to find favor and grace even amid turmoil. Every circumstance can be a stepping stone towards something more significant.
The Bible conveys that everything has a purpose. In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul emphasizes this idea. In a lengthy discussion about suffering, he tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, even when we are unsure how to pray. He elaborates that the Holy Spirit understands God’s plan, ensuring His prayers are aligned with our needs at that moment (Rom 8:18-27). Paul goes on to say:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Rom 8:28-30)
Lesson 2: Hard work yields rewards.
Inspired by my grandfather’s relentless work ethic as a farmer and businessman, I strived for excellence in everything I undertook. My seminary experience and six years as a waiter to pay my fees taught me the value of giving my best in every endeavor. This commitment allowed me to rise from humble beginnings in the hospitality industry to leadership roles in ministry, proving that dedication and purpose can lead to success.
Proverbs 14:23 (KJV) reminds us that diligent effort is virtuous and brings real rewards: “In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.” This verse highlights the direct link between hard work and the outcomes it yields.
Diligent effort, driven by dedication and a commitment to excellence, leads to success and personal fulfillment. For Christians, work holds purpose and significance as we serve God through our endeavors. Scripture emphasizes that hard work is an admirable quality that yields real rewards.
Lesson 3: Obedience is a path to blessings.
As a young man deciding to leave Australia and return to India after nearly seven years was daunting. Giving up my good income, my first car, my circle of very close friends, and the comfort of life in Australia was not easy. However, following God’s calling and returning to India opened doors I never thought possible. Blessings often follow unexpectedly when we align our lives with our true purpose.
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” – Deuteronomy 28:1
The Scriptures highlight a profound connection between obedience and God’s abundant favor. God finds joy in rewarding those who diligently follow His commands. The promise in Deuteronomy 28 resonates through time, confirming that obedience allows God’s favor to be showered upon our lives.
As you travel the road of obedience, trust that God’s blessings are not merely tales from the past. They are meant for you, a beloved child of God. Your obedience opens you up to the blessings He has specifically designed for you. Embracing obedience is not a heavy burden; it’s an invitation to experience the rich blessings God desires to bestow upon your life. Open your heart to His guidance and watch as the abundant blessings flow from your unwavering faithfulness.
Lesson 4: Faithfulness brings glory and blessings.
In ministry, I learned that remaining committed to a mission profoundly pays off. Despite facing setbacks, including instances of nepotism, staying faithful to my calling brought credibility and respect my way. This journey taught me that God honors our faithfulness and that His promises will manifest in our lives if we hold steadfast.
Did you know that favor typically follows faithfulness? It’s an unusual notion, yet it holds a vital truth that can transform our lives. First, let me ask: have you noticed that many people desire a powerful testimony but hesitate to endure the tests necessary to obtain one? We often crave the glory without engaging in the struggle, wishing to enjoy the rewards of labor we haven’t exerted. This contradictory mindset applies not only to our everyday lives but also (and perhaps more significantly) to our spiritual journeys as well.
We must recognize that God is constantly watching, and nothing escapes His notice (Mark 4:22), including our actions, attitudes, beliefs, and everything else. God observes us not to punish us in anger but to help elevate us to the next level of our purpose and relationship with Him.
Lesson 5: Run your race.
I followed someone else’s path for years, feeling lost and inadequate. God nudged me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to embrace my unique journey. Accepting this was daunting, yet it turned out to be one of the most liberating decisions of my life. I realized that success isn’t about competing with others but striving to be my best version. This mindset shift has brought me the most fulfillment in recent years, enabling me to celebrate others’ successes without envy.
The expression “run your own race” encourages us to avoid comparing ourselves with others. Frequently, Scriptures compare the Christian journey to a race (see 1 Cor 9:24; 2 Tim 4:7; Heb 12:1-2). This metaphor is apt because elements of physical running echo spiritual lessons in Christianity. We must train effectively, nourish our souls, shed burdensome distractions, and keep persevering, even when motivation wanes.
The saying “Run your own race” is particularly relevant here. When the author of Hebrews urges his audience to “run with endurance the race set before us” (Heb 12:1), he emphasizes that the Christian life resembles a marathon more than a sprint. In any race, it’s crucial not to compare ourselves to others or adopt another Christian’s training pace on race day. Just as every athlete is unique, so is each Christian. Our spiritual gifts, innate talents, life missions, struggles with sin, educational backgrounds, and various other factors make it unwise to measure our progress against someone else’s.
Lesson 6: The power of relationships.
From other leaders and my own experiences, I have learned that relationships are the greatest assets one can have. Nothing matters more in life than having a group of people around you who truly understand, love, accept, and respect you for who you are. My most cherished friends aren’t my blood relatives.
Two are better than one… If one falls, his companion can help him up. But alas, for those who are alone when they stumble, they lack support. —Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
God desires to bring covenant relationships into our lives. In my view, the primary reason people struggle to reach their God-given potential is their uncertainty about who they should associate with and who they should avoid. Here are three key principles regarding covenant relationships.
- Many of life’s greatest blessings come from relationships. As the Bible notes, “Two are better than one” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).
- A covenant relationship is a divine blessing during transitional periods in your life. This suggests that whenever you’re prepared to move to a new level or enter a different season, God will bring new individuals into your life. These people can develop covenant relationships that assist in freeing you from your past and launching you into the new season He has intended for you.
- Covenant relationships can awaken dormant potential. I find this concept compelling because it symbolizes a fundamental truth.
These life lessons reflect the belief that our past challenges can be transformed into future victories. The road may be sprinkled with trials, but these experiences often catalyze our most significant growth. As we navigate life’s journey, let’s embrace our stories, learn from them, and inspire others to rise above their circumstances. It’s time to look up, run our own race, and discover the boundless possibilities that await.
Scan the QR code below to view James Chacko’s complete life story.
James didn’t choose to be born to a father with schizophrenia. The next 16 years were a tumultuous experience, and what transpired afterward can only be described as God working everything together for good. The purpose of this video presentation is to ignite hope, rejuvenate lives, and infuse meaning and purpose into anyone who feels that life is not worth living. These episodes are designed to inspire you and bless you, helping you become all that God intended you to be. James’ journey transcends that of one boy; it encompasses a family and God’s plans interwoven into something grander. It’s a journey we all share in life. When this journey takes us to our lowest points, we find that even a small glimmer of light can dispel the darkness.
