Hi Friends! I just got home from a wonderful church service and I wanted to share some points pastor Ron Lewis presented this morning. First, let me say that I stole his title “The Secret of our Trials” and I will use some of the points and scriptures he shared. However … I will probably go down some holy rabbit trails of my own — fair warning. :o)

Acts 14:21-22 They (Paul and Barnabas) preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Pastor Ron shared that scripture this morning and I must say I’ve never focused on the part where it says we MUST go through many hardships! Obviously, after walking with the Lord for so many years, I have had many “peak” and “valley” experiences, but this scripture just seems to nail the point home.

I think Pastor Ron used the New American Standard bible version because it stated we must go through many TRIBULATIONS to enter into the kingdom of God. When I looked up the word “tribulation” in the online dictionary, it gave these definitions: To press; oppress; to rub. Pastor Ron gave the definition as to break or crush! Either way — it won’t feel good! Right?

James 1:2-4 declares, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

How many of us consider it pure joy when we are in the midst of a trial? Ok, my hand isn’t raised (forgive me Lord). Logically I know that the times in the valley are great seasons of growth (isn’t that where the richest soil lays?). I can even use my hindsight to say, “Amen! If it wasn’t for those years of pure torment, I wouldn’t know what I do now!” But when we are in the middle of that place, why do we forget these nuggets of wisdom?

The verse I quoted above from James also points out that we must ALLOW the work to complete. Perseverance must finish its work so that we may be MATURE and complete!

2 Timothy 2:12a states, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”

Notice it says IF we endure? We must endure this process just as gold refined in the fire. It is amazing how God knows what is best for us. Honestly, I wouldn’t wish those years of mental torment I endured on ANYONE, but without them – where would I be? I can tell you this, I wouldn’t know about my DELIVERER like I do now. I wouldn’t understand how God is my SHIELD, STRENGTH, FORTRESS, STRONG TOWER, and REDEEMER. I have said this for many years: You can’t lead someone where you’ve never been! It takes these difficult seasons to grow us. Even while typing the word “season” I thought of SALT and FLAVOR. If we never actually EXPERIENCED His grace, His redemption — how can we appreciate the flavor?

Romans 5:3-4 states, “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Pastor Ron didn’t reference this particular scripture (I don’t think), but he did say that character lasts and CHARACTER is what God is after. These trials prepare us for greater things. Can I get a AMEN bloggy friends? So true. (Ok, I give you permission to remind me of this when I whine about stuff.)

1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 proclaims, “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.”

Do you see a theme here? I have no doubt that God will use the tough seasons in our lives to create a beautiful testimony. Hopefully we will shine like precious jewels — like gold refined.

I pray each of us will remember this the next time we find ourselves in a trial.

Click here to find out more about Pastor Ron Lewis.