Consider it a sheer gift (joy), friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work, so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 MSG
I would be the first to admit I do not like trials, and I am sure that I am not the only one. However, when I look back over my life, I can say that I have grown tremendously because of the trials I faced and overcame.
The book of James tells us to count it all joy when we face various trails, tests, challenges. Now if I can be truthful, joy is the last thing on anyone’s mind when they face difficulties in life. When trails come the first thing one may do is try to find a way not to deal with the trial or try to find a way out. Another person may get in defense mode and want to fight. Others may get pitiful and ask... why me? When we face trials there is always something to learn.
It’s easy to say our faith is strong and that we trust God. It’s only when we are tested will we know how strong our faith is and if we truly trust God. God wants us as believers to increase in faith and to increase our trust in Him. The only way that will happen is when we are tested. Therefore, tests, trials, challenges, hardships are good for us. They help our character to develop; we become more Christlike. They help us to mature and develop in the spirit. We grow closer to God. We experience the mighty hand of God and learn more about Him during these times. Our confidence in Him grows and we learn to truly rely on Him.
Testing and trials are like the weights you use when you are working out at the gym. You start off by lifting light weights (dumbbells) but as you become stronger, you can lift more weights. Though it may be painful in the beginning, there is joy when you see the end results. So, it is as you face trials after trials. You will not enjoy it at the present moment, but in the end if you do not buckle under the pressure, you will be joyful with the end results. You will learn what it means to have patience and endurance as you go through the trials. It is not in your own strength, but your reliance is on God. Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts; Zechariah 4:6
As we are on a journey, we are in a race, we must be determined to cross the finish line. The tests and trials equip us so that we become mature and strong so we can complete the journey. Not just complete the race but we can finish strong!
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