Trials are a blessing. What? Trials, a blessing? How are these stumbling stones, these thorns in my side, a blessing? Indeed. And not only blessings, but they are essential to life as a Christian and essential for us to bring our walk of faith closer to God. You see, to refine gold, there is a fire. To sharpen a blade, there is a grinding stone. A scar is fresh new skin, but first there is a cut. Everything in life that is good has most likely gone through a long and painful process to get the way it is. People are no different.

James 1:2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” Count it all JOY when you fall into temptation. Joy? That I have to fight my sinful nature? Yes. Because that proves the Spirit of God is in you and is fighting in you. You see your trials are not only proof of God in you but by those trials you are one step closer to finishing your walk of faith. One step closer to perfection. Your trials are battles and you are the warrior. Warriors get scars and injuries. Don’t be discouraged by your failures or stumbling. Failure is not falling down. Even the mightiest man falls down. Failure is when you refuse to get back up. May the grace of God and his strong hand lead you through your trials and make you better because of them. Make you sharper, more pure, more his perfect, wonderful, precious child.

Jared Vandyke