“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” -James 1:2-4

Jump-training. We have a love/hate relationship. I despise it in the moment, but I love the results that come from the pain of jumping what seems to be a million times over the course of six weeks. In the end, the 45-minute jump workout, three times a week, gets me in tip top form for volleyball season. The pain is temporary, but the results get me through the entire season.

During the first day of jump-training it hit me that I also have a love/hate relationship with spiritual trials. If I’m honest, in the moment I despise the trial. The stretching is painful, filled with tears, and often results in change. It often reveals and makes me admit my biggest flaws and deepest fears. Who really wants to lay down their pride and admit their failures? Not this girl!

As Christ followers, these trials are necessary and during them we are called to be different. As seen in James, we are called to be joyful during trying seasons because we know we are maturing in our faith so that one day (in Heaven) we will reach perfection. Sometimes, this is a tough pill to swallow, but we find strength in knowing our joy isn’t found in our trying circumstances. Our joy comes for our Christ. Looking back on the trials I’ve faced and overcome with the help of Christ, I’ve matured greatly to who I am today. There is still a lot of maturing left, but I can approach whatever trials that are to come knowing that pain is temporary, eternity is forever!

Don’t get lost in your circumstances, get lost in the love of your Savior who died so you could live!

Grace and Peace,

Meredith