Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
Trials, pain, confusion, waiting…
How often do you find yourself on this path?
How often would you willingly choose it?
Like it or not, trials are a part of all of our lives at some point. As surely as the sun rises, circumstances will go awry and we will find ourselves in situations that feel impossible from time-to-time (and yes, sometimes it feels like all of the time!).
As tempting as it is to wish and pray the problems away, there is often a very good reason for our adverse situations.
Trials refine us.
We may have something hidden deep within that we aren’t even consciously aware of that’s inhibiting our growth or our relationship with God.
Trials may be allowed in our lives to burn away that which isn’t pure. Trials may actually be a grace that saves us from ourselves even if we can’t see it in the moment of pain.
Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.
Isaiah 48:10
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.
Psalm 119:71
True, sometimes our trials are a firey attack from the enemy, but sometimes they are a refining fire– and often, they are both.
When things get hot we’re more likely to turn to God.
When trials threaten to overtake us, we more easily bend our knees in submission to His plan, and in this way, they are a grace-filled gift.
So, when you find yourself experiencing yet another trial–press in.
Ask our Heavenly Father what He is teaching you. Partner with Him in the process.
Instead of merely trying to pray away the fire, make sure you’re allowing it to do its refining work.
Don’t give up, and don’t give in.
Keep your eyes on Him.
He might just be burning away the chaff…and what is left will be pure gold!
But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”
Job 23:10
This is very poignant Lindsey! Trudging through the trials can bring us to glorious paths of closeness with our Creator and purpose in His plan!
The process is rarely fun, but His plan is always worth it! 💖
As always, an absolute treasure! I pray God’s blessings over you today, Sis! Keep pressing toward that mark of the high calling!
Thank you, Stacey! 🙏🏻