The Honest Struggle

Honestly, when did Christianity start presenting the “truth” that a true Christian walk is only recognized by an untroubled, easy life? I too believed this false teaching until I chuckled at the statement from my first-year professor at KINEO Ministry Training Center when she said something along the lines of, “if you haven’t faced a major trial, buckle up”. Little did I know that He was prepping to introduce me to the trenches of sanctification.

Scripture does not support an easy life with Christ. Simply look at the life Christ lived. He was rejected by His hometown, mocked, betrayed, scorned, belittled, questioned, unwelcomed, and horrifically experienced inflicted pain leading to His crucifixion. Paul, an apostle of Christ, did not live a life of ease as he traveled and preached. Paul’s ministry was filled with trials, tribulations, and hardships. Despite Paul’s faith journey, his faith never wavered. Many of Paul’s writings speak of the need to endure during times of tribulations. This idea of longsuffering is a significant theme in Paul’s writing, which emphasizes patience and endurance that we, believers, are called to exhibit in our faith journeys. Paul’s faith journey serves as a testament to the strength, peace, and wisdom that we find in our devoted trust and persistent obedience to God during difficult times. It is in our “trench seasons” that we find our greatest strength. There’s purpose in the pressing.

Romans chapter 5 is titled “Faith Triumphs in Trouble”. A beautiful picture of the hope that we have by faith in Christ when times of trouble arise. This not a picture of “if”, but rather “when” as we grow more Christ-like in our walk. Paul states in Romans 5:3-5, “and not only that, but 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”.

Tribulations are necessary in our faith journey. It is in these heavy seasons, where our faith is refined by fire – made strong, made priestly, made PERFECT. A testament to the value and worth of our faith that reaches the heavenly throne and even more a testament to God working in and through us. We are “grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more previous than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love” (1 Peter 1:6-8). It is in our trials and tribulations that we become “awe-struck” by the wonderous, immeasurable love of God. His mercy. His grace. He is revealed in a way that surpasses human sight. A deep reverence stirs and a longing for more is discovered.

It is in this exact hard that our wonderful, perfect Father brought me to my knees. Tears filled my eyes with not pain, but wonder and awe. That the Most High would care enough about a sinful me to test my faith, deepen my trust, and use me for His kingdom work. A revelation of His promises began to spring off the pages of my Bible that He will never forsake me, that all of this hardship will prepare me for much greater blessings in His kingdom.

It is in these seasons that hands sometimes go up to quit, but instead, raise your hands in worship. He sees something in you that you don’t see just yet. Speak His promises over yourselves, stay in His word, ENDURE until the end. We cannot quit on Him in temporary hardship when He has an eternal home of blessings waiting beyond the clouds.