Trials and Temptations: Our Unlikely Friends

Do you know that trials and temptations are our unlikely friends? Unlikely, but still friends and helpers, building up our faith muscles and preparing us for the future.

I have a confession to make: my favorite time at the gym is leaving the gym. Can you relate? Let’s face it: training at the gym is not pleasant, like sipping coffee in the sun or a stroll in the park. 

When my trainer suggested I increase the weights in the arm exercises, I didn’t jump with joy. But I tried it. My muscles burned with pain, I was panting, and sweat drops covered my face. However, after several weeks of using this weight, my muscles got accustomed, and I was ready for the next level.

Remember to pin me for later!

God’s Strength Training for the Future

My trainer explained this training principle in the following way: for the muscles to stay in shape and to grow, they need to be “stressed” and exposed to increasing pressure. True.

I often think about our faith muscles and how God allows different trials and temptations to “stress” and press them to strengthen us and make us healthier and more resilient.

The aim is to grow spiritually, become mature, and be able to carry heavier loads without breaking. It is all part of God’s special preparation and training for His kingdom.

Trials and Temptations: Our Unlikely Friends

Our initial or usual reaction is to resent trials and temptations as intruders that break up our comfortable routines and well-ordered lives. But here is God challenging us to change our minds through the words of the Apostle James:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3 (NLT)

Intruders or Unlikely Helpers and Friends? 

The Lord urges us to see our difficulties not as intruders but as friends and helpers in building strong faith and character. These unlikely friends have the ungrateful task of breaking us down, as our muscles do during a workout.

The Lord urges us to see our difficulties not as intruders, but as friends and helpers in building a strong faith and character. #spiritualgrowth #faith #resilience Share on X

The sharp edges and the unbearable weights of worries, anxiety, bitter disappointments, losses, grief, and recurring temptations rupture the fabric of our mental and emotional landscape.

They hammer on mental strongholds, beliefs, and convictions about God and ourselves, on things we are holding stubbornly and refuse to let go.

However, the aim is not to destroy us but to build us up again: in the Lord’s image, resembling Him more and more.

Practical Steps to Change Our Perspective 

1) Don’t blame God, but lean on Him instead.

Instead of blaming and doubting God, we can choose to lean on Him and trust His training program despite how it feels and seems, especially when we don’t understand. 

2) Look for the hidden gifts and blessings in the pain.

God has tucked precious blessings and gifts into each painful experience and struggle we face. Seeking divine guidance and the strength of the Holy Spirit to overcome helps us discover God’s beautiful and powerful purposes for our lives.

3) Meditate on God’s word. 

Here are several powerful truths to meditate on:

• Adversity trains our faith muscles and helps us grow spiritually, become mature, and be able to carry heavier loads without breaking.
• God loves us and wants to bless us in and through adversity.
• God will infuse us with strength and will help us in every situation.

Transformation Is Our Present and Future

Trials force us out of our comfort zones; they stretch and challenge us. Life becomes burdensome.

However, in the place of our discomfort, we gain new strength and resilience. We grow and gain in maturity.

Overcoming the difficulties produces a quality change in us: our character transformation in the image of Christ. This is the aim of our present and future.

We gain new strength and resilience in the place of our discomfort. #growth #spiritualgrowth #transformation Share on X

How Our Painful Experiences Help Us Grow Strong and Christlike

Do you know that our painful experiences can become the birthplace of blessings and growth if we choose to draw near to God?

You can learn more about why and how God uses pain and hardships to shape us and bless us in my book, “Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings.”

Let me take you on a journey through 13 painful experiences, showing the precious blessings in each of them.

More Encouragement for You

If you need more resources and encouragement to grow spiritually, I highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk

Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert

Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst

Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley

Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge

All Things New by John Eldredge

Hope for the Hard Days by Sarah Geringer

Lean into Grace by Stacey Pardoe

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Your Turn

What kind of adversity do you face now, and how can this be your friend? In what ways can it help you grow and change? Share in the comments and on social media if you found this article helpful. Thank you!

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