Joyful in spite of trials
What trial(s) are you currently facing? How do you deal with difficult things, and what surfaces as a result? Do you find you are irritated, angry, sad, frustrated, insecure, …? Trials give us an opportunity to see what is really at work within us. It takes a lot of courage, but we can work to identify and change our negative reactions/responses—if we choose. The purifying of metals is much the same: as the heat rises, the impurities rise to the top and can be skimmed or poured off. The “skimming off” of impurities happens as we look at things in the light of truth, repent of the attitudes which are not born out of love for God and man, and purpose to walk in a new way. But this is not something that “just happens”. We must take deliberate action. (I John 1:9, and Romans 12:1-2)
The trials you and I face are not so much about ‘testing’ to show whether or not we have faith. (I am pretty sure God already has a sense of our faith!) Rather, might they have the potential to be about strengthening the faith that is already present? I say potential, because you and I are free to choose how we will respond and that choice will either strengthen or erode our relationship with God, and either strengthen or erode our personal character and integrity. In this light, if we meet our trials with rigorous honesty our trial is a opportunity for our faith to grow deeper, our understanding and compassion broader, and our love stronger.
My current trial of not knowing what to do next, is like an octopus with tentacles that reach into how I react to other things. I have some work to do --not just mind mapping, networking and resumé building. For my spiritual and emotional health I also need to reflect on truth, accept grace, receive and grant forgiveness, keep seeking wisdom, rest and enjoy the presence of God.
How are your current trials affecting you, and do you have a plan for navigating them?
My current trial of not knowing what to do next, is like an octopus with tentacles that reach into how I react to other things. I have some work to do --not just mind mapping, networking and resumé building. For my spiritual and emotional health I also need to reflect on truth, accept grace, receive and grant forgiveness, keep seeking wisdom, rest and enjoy the presence of God.
How are your current trials affecting you, and do you have a plan for navigating them?
Read and pray: Psalm 119:73-76, 2 Cor. 1:3-4, Heb. 4:16
Here are a couple of great resources for personal growth:
The Renewing of the Mind Project by Barb Raveling (this is especially practical)
Rising Strong by Brené Brown
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