"It'll heal up before you get married. Get back in there." was the uncompassionate response my basketball coach usually gave me if I complained about getting hit in a game. Even though I may be tempted to say something similar to my basketball players now, the truth is that there are always challenges and the attitude we have toward them makes all the difference. Notice how Jesus completely changes the normal viewpoint in His first beatitude, "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."
In James 1, the Word reminds us to "Count it all joy" when trials come. While this sounds completely opposite to our feelings, he then points out why, that the testing of your faith produces patience and if we allow patience to complete its work, we will lack nothing. There is not only light at the end of the tunnel, but a right attitude will cause the very trial to produce qualities that ensure growth. In fact, growth only comes through overcoming adversity by depending on God.
After being stoned by the religious mob (in Acts 14), Paul returns to the believers in Antioch, Lystra, and Iconium to reassure them that "we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God."
Likewise Paul, in Romans 5, makes his case even stronger. Our hearts easily agree with his first comments of how blessed we are through faith in Jesus to have peace with God and to rejoice in the hope of sharing the glory of God. But getting the whole picture requires hearing what Paul then declares, "we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." To glory in tribulations means we treat them as a positive opportunity to enjoy God.
The key "because" is the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. When we know and trust the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with the love of God, there is overwhelming hope, or know-so confidence, that He will make all things work together for good to those who know Him and are called according to His purpose. He always leads us in triumph.
Therefore, challenges or trials are merely "steppingstones" to trust God and allow His transforming power to work in us and through us as we overcome every challenge of sin, the world, and the devil. We are the bride of Christ, and it is essential that the bride have every spot and wrinkle removed to become an "equally yoked" partner for the Lord Jesus. We are destined to be conformed to the image of Christ.
Many know that the world is in a great time of upheaval, an Isaiah 60 time of "darkness covering the earth and gross darkness the people." Therefore, challenges are sure to come. Rather than curse the darkness, God calls us to receive His light and let His glory shine in and on us. Having a right attitude toward trials and challenges allows us to look forward to what God is doing and to rejoice in the hope of sharing His glory through them. Challenges will allow us to know and experience God. Fight the good fight of faith that overcomes the world. Our coach, the Holy Spirit, says, "Get back in there."
