Shaped by Trials

Countless numbers of things shape who we become in life. How we respond to these things determines our character. We can let them crush us, or we can let them build us into a stronger person. We can rely on God to get us through the impossible, or rely on ourselves and get nowhere. Let’s start today by inviting God into this time with us.

Father, thank You for growth in my walk of faith. Thank You for challenging me to be better and to push through every season this life throws my way. I invite You here with me today, to strengthen me and build me into the person You want me to be. Amen.

Romans 5:1-4 (NLT)
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

We all have faced trials of some kind. Maybe they aren’t as drastic as the Apostle Paul’s, or maybe we think they aren’t as bad as what other people have gone through, but his advice on facing trials fits every mold. When I look back on my life, I can truly see the growth that I’ve encountered because of the things life has brought me and I am so thankful that I have been able to learn from them. I am grateful that because of what Jesus did for me, I can be set free and carried through anything that is thrown my way. What would your life look like if you never had to face any trials?

I imagine I wouldn’t be very strong in character or in faith if I never had to face trials. Paul is spot on when he says to rejoice in this! I can rejoice because I know that with God, I can get through anything (Matthew 19:26, Philippians 4:13). We can replace fear and anxiety with excitement for what God is going to do in us and through us. Trials shape our lives, and we get to decide how we respond to them. How do you handle the trials of life? Do you remember that God is with you in every storm if you invite Him in?

I encourage your prayer today to be an invitation to God into your storms and to thank Him for giving you opportunities to grow deeper and stronger in your faith.

God, help me to remember that You use our trials and struggles to build us into Your disciples…

Let your trials be a training ground! And remember to suit up in God’s armor so you are ready for anything!