Developing Strength Through Trials

Life is full of trials and challenges, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated by them. However, as Christ followers, we can take comfort in knowing that God can use our trials to build perseverance to become who He wants us to be. When we think of it this way, we can view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than punishment.

Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4 AMP

When we face trials, we must rely on God and trust His plan for our lives. This can be difficult, especially when we don't understand why we're going through a particular situation. However, it's important to remember that God is in control and has a purpose for everything in our lives.

God will never disappoint us when we walk according to His will. We may not know all the reasons for our trials, but God wants us to persevere. I saw a great illustration of this on my recent trip to New Zealand when I learned that Kiwi birds don’t fly. When I asked why, our guides explained that they do not fly because they no longer receive threats from their predators.

Wow! As believers in Christ, can we rest in God’s assurance of protection, knowing He will shield us from the enemy’s attacks?

But then, the absence of predators can affect the mobility of these birds as they can even forget how to fly.

We all need trials so that we can develop strength and resilience. As we persevere through our problems, we earn deeper faith and a stronger relationship with God. We also learn to trust in Him even when things don't make sense, and we grow in understanding His love and faithfulness towards us.

God can use our trials to shape us into who He wants us to be. He can use our struggles to build our character and refine us so that we can become more like Christ. As we trust Him and persevere through our trials, we become more mature and complete, lacking nothing.

So, when you're facing a trial or challenge in your life, remember that God can use it for your good. He can use it to build your perseverance. So, trust in Him, lean on His strength, and let perseverance finish its work in you. In doing so, you'll grow in your faith and become more like Christ, the ultimate example of perseverance and endurance.