This past weekend, the father of one of our congregation members passed away. It brought back a lot of memories for me as I pondered when my own father passed away almost 12 years ago. Death is a part of life just as much as birth. Pain and sorrow are just as much a part of life as pleasure and joy.

When you go through struggles and trials, it gives an opportunity for one to reflect on life. We spend time pondering the past, questioning the present and dreaming about the future. Ultimately, many of the reflections lead to “Why?” questions.

I was reading the Book of James this morning and came across the following verses. James 1:2-4, “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.”

They reminded me of the big picture in life and how God uses circumstances to change us: Years ago, I used to work out with a friend who was very intense. His brother was a body-builder and he himself was an incredible arm wrestler. For him, working out was simply a matter of how much pain you’re willing to endure. And after spending weeks working out with him, I was a believer.

But as I started thinking about all those people then and today who voluntarily exercise and abstain from hot fudge sundaes, convinced that their ultimate gain is worth their present pain. I wondered if we have that same attitude toward our life of daily discipleship. Are we willing to endure pain when it comes to growing in our lives as Christians?

In Romans 5:2, the apostle Paul wrote, “And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.” But he doesn’t stop there. Notice the next words: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

The hope spoken of in Romans 5 is much more than keeping our fingers crossed and wishing for the best. It’s a confident, joyful expectation. While all of us want this God-given hope, very few of us get excited about the process by which it is produced. There is a definite progression here: suffering, when taken in the right spirit, will produce patient endurance. Over a period of time this persistent obedience to God produces character. And out of integrity of spirit emerges hope. We can’t skip over any part of the process.

One of the clearest teachings in the New Testament is that God wants His children to grow up to be strong disciples and not remain spiritual babies. He wants us to be mature, godly people with staying power in our walk with Him.

It reminds me of making pottery. When you make a dish or vase on the wheel, it looks pretty blah. When a clay pot emerges from the fire, it has beauty, strength, and color not possible without the heat. Trials are a “natural” part of our spiritual and character development. We may not “enjoy” the process but knowing it is for our good and God’s glory helps us to persevere.

When trials enter our lives, do we see them as obstacles or burdens that we need to bear or do we see them as opportunities for learning and growth. I am a believer that everything that happens in our lives has a purpose.

As many of you are aware, I am trying to become “more fit” to cope better with some health issues. But in order to do that, it means changing behaviors in both diet and activity… neither of which I am too enthusiastic about! But in keeping to that, the end result will be a better and healthier life. The same is true of our Christian walk as well.