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Do You Enjoy Your Trials?
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4, NIV
The end of May is here! It feels like the month just started yesterday. For most of you, this means that summer is upon us, but for me, I always see it as the beginning of a new year of life! You see, tomorrow, May 31, is my birthday and I will be turning 30! On every birthday, like most people do, I believe, I reflect on the past years of life. I think about all the amazing people I have met, relationships made, trips I have been on and memories that I will never forget.
Something different that I have been reflecting on, with my birthday almost here, is how I got where I am in life. More specifically, about all the hardships I have had to face in just the short 30 years of life. From parents divorcing at the age of 9, being bullied in middle school, to failures, loneliness, terrible decisions and just moments of hopelessness. As I reflect on those trials, I remember thinking in those moments how much I wish they weren’t happening, wishing that life could be just as perfect and not falling apart. I couldn’t stand those trials!
But now, I look back and I am so thankful and joyful that they happened. I would never be where I am in life today if I had not gone through them. I wouldn’t be able to relate to so many students, parents, friends and others if my life had been perfect. Also, my relationship with God would not be what it is today without those trials.
I thank God daily for all the hardships I have had in life. It makes me a better Student Minister, a better friend and, more importantly, a better disciple of Christ. My only regret is I didn’t consider the trials something of joy! Now, as I face new trials, I make sure to thank God for them because I know He is going to use them to better my faith and help others know Him better.
Have you ever enjoyed your trials? Take a moment today to reflect on them. And if you are going through a trial right now, consider it joy, brothers and sisters! God is going to use it to strengthen your faith!
P.S. I would love to share more with you about my trials and hear of yours, so let’s grab coffee!
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