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The Value of Struggle
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
James 1:1–4
In 1921, Franklin D. Roosevelt was a rising star in the political world. But when he contracted polio and was left unable to walk on his own, it seemed that his dreams had been shattered. Roosevelt embarked on a grueling physical rehabilitation program, and though he never regained the use of his legs, he was able to return to public life. He would be elected president in 1932, overcoming great obstacles to reach the peak of the political world. Roosevelt said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
Given the choice, most of us would not select great trials and hardship in our lives. Yet, God often uses difficulty to accomplish growth that cannot come any other way. Like a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble, God sometimes strikes us with what seem to be heavy blows to remove the things that are not part of His design. The process of growth and spiritual development is not painless, nor did God ever guarantee that it would be.
In our moments of pain and trial, it is vital that we not lose sight of God’s plan for our lives. Bad things are not necessarily a sign of His displeasure or punishment, though we should examine our lives to see if we are being chastened. But often they are simply God bringing us to a higher level of faith and trust in Him, as He uses struggles to shape and refine our character. There is a great comfort in knowing that nothing takes God by surprise, and that we can always trust Him to do what is best for us.
James 1:1–4
In 1921, Franklin D. Roosevelt was a rising star in the political world. But when he contracted polio and was left unable to walk on his own, it seemed that his dreams had been shattered. Roosevelt embarked on a grueling physical rehabilitation program, and though he never regained the use of his legs, he was able to return to public life. He would be elected president in 1932, overcoming great obstacles to reach the peak of the political world. Roosevelt said, “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.”
Given the choice, most of us would not select great trials and hardship in our lives. Yet, God often uses difficulty to accomplish growth that cannot come any other way. Like a sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble, God sometimes strikes us with what seem to be heavy blows to remove the things that are not part of His design. The process of growth and spiritual development is not painless, nor did God ever guarantee that it would be.
In our moments of pain and trial, it is vital that we not lose sight of God’s plan for our lives. Bad things are not necessarily a sign of His displeasure or punishment, though we should examine our lives to see if we are being chastened. But often they are simply God bringing us to a higher level of faith and trust in Him, as He uses struggles to shape and refine our character. There is a great comfort in knowing that nothing takes God by surprise, and that we can always trust Him to do what is best for us.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Rejoicing in trials only happens when we recognize God’s control and purpose for what is happening.
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