In James chapter one we read that we should count all joy when we fall into different trials because it’s the trying of our faith that develops perseverance. It goes on to say that perseverance must have its work, so we may be complete and mature, not lacking anything.
You may ask yourself, ‘how in the world do trials build patience?”
But they do.
In my experience, I have found that when things are really tough, it’s then that we have to work extra hard to focus on what we believe is true and not just what feels true at the moment. It’s then that we ask ourselves why we believe what we believe.
It’s like you’re training for a marathon and you’re exercising those faith muscles. When you’re going through trials, it goes from theory to practice. It’s no longer just an abstract concept, it’s something practical to use when you need it the most.
There are so many things that I feel like I have known since I was a kid, growing up in a Christian household. Even so, it wasn’t until I really had to rely on God’s truth and on my spiritual armor- to really dig into the word to find answers to sharpen my sword so I could defend myself that I really began to understand. I didn’t really know before.
It’s like going from grade school to grad school- from surface to deep.
When we respond to trials with faith every time they come, it gets easier over time, and that equals patience. So a question to ask yourself if you are in a period of trials and struggling is, “What is it that you can do to strengthen your faith muscles during these trials while you’re waiting to see the things that you’re hoping to see happen?”
When you’re waiting to see things unfold, what can you do to train yourself to trust who God is regardless of what’s happening around you?
You could start by surrounding yourself more with God’s Word. We often talk here at Every Day Incredible about setting reminders in your phone or using printables to put around your house (on your mirrors or cabinets), something to keep those scriptures- that sword and Word of God readily at hand. Something that you can use to focus on those things instead of whatever the enemy is tempting you to focus on.
Other ideas to consider include finding a devotional calendar that has Bible verses too. Just one bit at a time. You can find a book of breath prayers to keep with you throughout the day, surround yourself with friends and mentors who aren’t afraid to really talk about and focus on spiritual growth- those friends have probably been through the trials and they’ve learned over time to turn their thoughts back to the truth about who God is and who you are in Christ.
When you’re working to build your faith and grow your patience, find any way you can to keep truth at the front of your mind so you can focus on it rather than what you’re tempted to believe.
What is the message of truth you need to hear today? You know what you’re struggling with. Find something in scripture that counters that.
Talk to friends or mentors that are rooted in God’s Word and have a strong faith-filled identity.
If you need help finding people like that, don’t forget to check out our Digging Deeper group.
https://diggingdeeper.everydayincredible.net
As part of that group, you can receive daily reminders- affirmations and breath prayers that can help you keep your focus where it needs to be, and you’ll have a community of women that also can join into that discussion and keep those thoughts first and foremost.
In the meantime, feel free to check out our free 7-day Incredible Prayer Challenge and you can find that at https://prayer.everydayincredible.net
Remember that there are opportunities every day, so make Every Day Incredible.