As athletes, we want to prepare our bodies and minds so we are able to play at our full potential. Therefore, we not only train on the ice/field, but we also build off-ice strength and conditioning into our training programs.
The process of building up our strength involves a cycle where we work hard, feel pain, tear down (our muscle fibers), and build up our strength and endurance by supplementing our diets with water, protein, amino acids, etc. The building of our faith and character is very similar. God often humbles us by breaking us down and allowing us to go through times of suffering so we can develop our endurance, character and hope (see Romans 5:3-5). We do this by supplementing our spiritual diet with the water of the Word, prayer and devotion.
Any parent can tell you that the hardest thing to do is to sit by and watch your child suffer. Yet our Heavenly Father loves us so much, that He sits by and allows us to suffer so He can equip and prepare us for the plans He has for us, plans that will glorify Him and produce more fruit for His Kingdom. Plans for our welfare, future, and hope (see Jeremiah 29:11).
Just like silver and gold are refined by going through fire, God refines us by putting us through the furnace of affliction (see Isaiah 48:10). By going through the pain and suffering of our trials, we gain a better understanding of where we are in our faith. God doesn’t test us to see where we are in our faith, He already knows, He puts us to the test for our benefit. We often think we are further along in our faith than we are, but through our trials, we discover ourselves and often realize although we thought we were turning control over to the Lord and trusting His plan, we really were trying to steer things our way, as if we know what’s better for us than God does.
God promises He will never give us more than we can handle (see 1 Corinthians 10:13) and He tells us not to worry, as He is always by our side (like a spotter in the gym) to encourage us and help us when the weight gets too heavy; and because He is with us, we should not worry, for He conquered the world, so helping us conquer our problems is no issue for Him (see John 16:33).
God further promises that after we have suffered a little while, He himself, will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us (see 1 Peter 5:10).
So rejoice in your sufferings, because as Romans 8:18 tells us, "I consider that our presentsufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."
Have you experienced trials in your life?
During those trials, did you turn things over to God and trust His plan?
Do you feel the need to control things, or are you able to turn everything over to the Lord and trust Him to provide, to get you were you need to be at the right time?
Are you able to find the joy in your sufferings?
Are you content with where God has you right now?
“No pain, no gain.” Are you willing to go through the pain required to build up your spiritual strength and endurance?