Learning in the Testing
Sometimes, in our lives, it feels like we are in a nonstop season of testing and trials.
It's like, hello, can someone turn off that bright red light aimed at our heads from that laser pointer (where is that thing coming from anyway?) so we can have some relief up in here?
We've all experienced these tough seasons, and I know some of us are in the midst of them right now.
Look around and be assured that you are not alone.
God has been teaching us a lot on our journey together. He is teaching us how to trust in Him and have faith so we can rest in blessed assurance that everything will work out and that we will be okay.
On the other side of all of this, when the storms have ceased, and the pointer has run out of batteries, hindsight will bring understanding and meaning.
But what do you do in the meantime? Now, that's the tricky part.
When we are knotted up by the stress of it all, our minds running nonstop with woeful worrying and clenched hands controlling, we must shake ourselves out of it and ask ourselves a question.
What could God be teaching me through this?
God is our loving Father, and He knows that these trials and tests will allow us to grow in strength, faith, patience, and trust.
That's what a good parent does, I suppose.
Sometimes, a parent needs to step back and allow the child to learn the lesson, even if every part of them wants to jump in and save the day so the child doesn't experience any pain or suffering.
God is wise beyond our understanding, and while we know He will never leave or forsake us, He knows we learn valuable lessons during the most challenging times, so He allows the testing.
It is in the suffering where God refines and teaches us the most.
So today, let's take a moment and ask God to zap some wisdom through that laser that just so happens to be pointing right at our brains.
I have no doubt God has great plans to repurpose this pain and suffering into something beautiful, world-changing, and life-altering.
Keep asking, keep praying, and keep going.
We are lifelong learners together, my friend.
James 1: 2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Hebrews 2:18
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
1 James 12-14
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
1 Peter 1: 6-9
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.