Good Morning Beautiful,
Do you remember in school all the hours you spent studying for tests? The purpose is to see how knowledgeable you are on the subject. This is a moment in life where your input determines your output. In school, we are tested on how well we can recall information; in life, we are tested to see how well we can apply the knowledge we have.
Every day can seem like a test, and most of us are constantly asking, “why me?” Jesus says in His Word, “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.”
James 1:12 NIV
This scripture alone makes enduring trials worth it! God calls us blessed, and therefore you are stronger than you know. We are survivors and warriors in Christ.
Reflect
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
Suffering is not fun nor should it be taken lightly. However to know that we can experience victory after we endure gives me hope that all of my sufferings serve a greater purpose. I don’t know about you, but I want to hear “enter in you good and faithful servant.” This lets me know that my actions and responses didn’t go unnoticed. Entering into God’s kingdom is the ultimate validation anyone could receive.
We all want to be triumphant and victorious over our circumstances and stand on the mountain top. No one signs up to truck along in the valley, but that is where the real battles are fought and won.
Some common experiences you may have endured in the valley can consist of depression, anxiety, doubt, embarrassment, loneliness, worthlessness, hopelessness, grief, pain, and isolation. The list can continue because we all suffer through different things. Notice I used the word “through” instead of “with” because these things we endure during trials are not who we are, just what we have experienced.
The valley gives you the confidence to stand your place on the mountain top and declare your position as a child of God. God is not making any mistakes in your life, and whatever circumstances you are experiencing right now, God is giving you the strength to hold on to and continue waiting.
As I said earlier, your preparation determines the worth of your test. When God opens the door for you to walk In your promise, I want you to know without a doubt who brought you in because, even after the promise is given, trials are still to be endured.
I need you to know that God prunes what He wishes to see in you, but if you lose sight of who He is, you’ll lose sight of that promise while withstanding trials. Please don’t give up now because I want you to triumph.
Observation
What is this verse saying to you? “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 KJV
