As we pulled into the parking lot, we were mesmerized by the mammoth beast lying before us. But there was nothing we could do but mount it.

Enormous logs dotted the mountainside. My brother and I were on a two-day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. The area we selected was popular because of the stunning views, but getting to them was challenging. We were determined, so we hoisted our backpacks and stretched our legs between the embedded logs. I had to stop for a breather a few times on my way to the top, but my effort was rewarded by breathtaking and picturesque sights. I soon forgot the strenuous journey.

Life's trials aren't much different in the results they produce.

James 1:2-3 – Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. (NLT)

Considering my troubles as an opportunity for great joy isn't the easiest of God's directives to follow. Nor does James mean that I should be happy about the trials. The joy comes in knowing that God's in control and that He will in some way bring good out of it. With this information in tow, I can stare at my difficulties through different lenses.

Expecting the difficulties — and expecting a variety of them — also helps me to struggle through. Mine have run the gamut from insignificant to noteworthy; from repairing a broken-down car to trying to repair an entire family; from holding a sick child to standing by a dying father. Regardless of the nature of the difficulties, God has strengthened my faith and formed my character through them.

Life doesn't really have to be struggled through. When God's holding our hand, we can saunter through with confidence and joy.

Prayer: Merciful Lord, help us to see life's difficulties as opportunities for our faith to be formed and our character to be refined. Amen.

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About the author:

Martin Wiles <mandmwiles@gmail.com>
Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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