Life has a way of testing our strength, stretching our faith, and revealing who we are in the midst of trials we never expected to face.

Any time we go through life thinking that we are not supposed to go through anything or that life will be a fairytale, we are robbing ourselves of growth. Now you know there is scripture for this right? Let’s get into it!

James 1:2-3 says, “My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure.” GNT That means faith is tested to produce perseverance. What is perseverance you ask? Let me tell you. Perseverance is steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc. especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. That means no matter the situation, we still STAND.

Scripture doesn’t stop there! 1 Peter 1:6-7 says, “Be glad about this, even though it may now be necessary for you to be sad for a while because of the many kinds of trials you suffer. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire, and so your faith, which is more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed.” GNT. This means that this is where God refines us! I know I know….it doesn’t feel good…….but it is where God refines us. Trust me when I tell you the refining is needed. The growth is needed to become who the Lord needs and wants us to be.

Romans 5:3-4 says, “But thats not all. We also brag when we are suffering. We know that suffering creates, endurance creates character, and character creates confidence.” GW. If we don’t go through anything, we won’t know what its like to endure. Endurance comes through suffering.

Psalm 66:10 says this, “For You have tested us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined.” AMP. God will test our hearts. It will show us where our heart REALLY IS and whats REALLY IN IT as it states in Deuteronomy 8:2. “Im a good person.” “Why am I being tested if Im living right and doing my best?” Honey..The Lord tests the righteous as well. Psalm 11:5 says, “The Lord tests righteous people, but he hates wicked people and the ones who love violence.” GW. Living right does not exempt you from being pushed to grow. EVERYBODY has to grow. Those who are willing to grow WILL GROW. Trials and tests develop the maturity in us as James 1:4 states. If we want to grow and mature, we have to be willing to go through some things.

THERE IS ENCOURAGEMENT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. Romans 8:28 tells us that “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom He has called according to His plan.” GW. God uses all things for our good. Life doesn’t happen without trials and tribulations, but it does make us stronger in the end. We can’t miss out on your own lives and happiness being so wrapped up in the things we go through when God already told us that all things WILL work together. We got to trust the process.

Bianca HoneyBee Duffus