Our last several lessons have looked at the some of the primary ways that we grow spiritually. We saw that we must take responsibility for our spiritual growth. We are not to succumb to a “let go and let God” mentality. God’s means of grace are available, but they are not automatic. Next, we looked at the importance of others – we are designed to live in community. Spiritual formation takes place in the company of others. Our last lesson emphasized the incredible power of communion with God. As we go to God in prayer and trust in the precious and magnificent promises of His word, God transforms us from the inside/out.

Our lesson today examines a means of growth that we often seek to avoid. It’s the difficult pathway of trials and tribulations. We live in a fallen world and trials and tribulations are a part of life. If we believe that God is sovereign, then we must admit that God allows adversity in our lives. When the Apostle Paul faced tribulations his initial response was to rejoice:

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Paul realized that adversity can be a means of growth to develop perseverance in our lives. If you want to develop physical strength, you know the importance of progressive overloading. This is a training principle that involves gradually increasing the workload over time to stimulate muscle growth and improve strength. If we are to be strong in the spiritual realm, then we must know how to handle adversity. The Apostle James echoed the same response as he enumerated the benefits of trials:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)

We must realize that joy is not dependent upon our circumstances, but joy comes from our relationship with God. James did not say “if”, but “when” trials come. Can we view trials as instruments that can draw us closer to God, or do we blame God and allow these trials to drive us away from God? In our times of greatest need, one of Satan’s primary strategies is to draw us away from the resource that can best help us and that is God. Hardship can make us better or bitter – which will you choose? It’s not the trial that makes us better or bitter, but our interpretation of the trial.

Are you undergoing a difficult time? God gets some of His best soldiers from the crucible of hardship. Your ability to persevere leads to the development of your spiritual growth. Some of the most spiritually mature people I know have experienced significant hardship – the roots go deep when the winds are strong. Can you see the hand of God and the growth that has occurred during those times of adversity? God uses trials and tribulations to develop spiritual maturity in our lives. We discover it’s not the load that breaks us, but it’s the fact that we’re carrying it alone – come to Jesus:

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University