Pleasure of Pressure

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2‭-‬4 MSG

Trials and tribulations are hard messages to sell in this season of difficulties. Things seem hard enough, without having to emphasize the inevitability of trials. Yet, today's extract seeks to underline a fresh perspective to trials. Check out the following:

1. Trials will come at you from all sides. You do not have control over your experiences, but you do have control over how you will respond. How you respond will determine the quality and depth of the lessons you will learn and the impact your life will make.

2. Trials are built to build you up and develop your character. There are things you could never imagine you could bear until the test came. There were situations you thought you could not handle until you had to endure them. When you have endured and stood your ground in God, the lessons learnt would be worth the experiences.

3. Trials have a expiry date. One very common expression in the Bible is: "And it came to pass". One comfort from God's word is that nothing lasts forever, except God himself. All trials, tribulations, physical signs of success all have cycles and expiry dates, therefore we do not fret and worry over situations; we simply trust in the wisdom of the One who can work out all things to his glory.

4. Trials lead to Maturity and Growth. It is a bit difficult to explain how this works, but it is only God who takes a 'negative' thing and works out something positive with it. The owner of my life determines what is required to bring out the best in me, and he administers those things in the right measure and the appropriate dosage, so I can be all that he wants me to be. His wisdom is amazing, his timing perfect and his plan eternal. His time of favour is here.