By Ryan Grinnell, Chapter Chaplain for FAITH RXD Austin, TX.
God allows us to go through the most difficult situations in life so that we can become stronger in our faith. Resistance causes growth. He builds our courage in His strength by allowing our strength to fail. When we’re at the bottom. When we’re at the end of our rope. When it looks like our boat is sinking…. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” (Eph. 6:10 NASB)
The Lord grows us 3 ways in those times:
1. Calls Us
Yes it is important to remember that the world is watching. But it’s more important that we remember Him who called us, is faithful. And if we’ll allow Him to speak to us, we will be reminded Who we belong to and what we are called to do. “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called.” (Eph. 4:1 NASB)
2. Trains Us
The seasons in our life where it seems like we’re failing…consider it training. We are trained in the wilderness so that we can conquer the Promised Land. He’s already given us all Spiritual authority through Christ, but we have to be trained how to use it. But we have to be trained to do that. Trained by reading, praying and obeying. “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle.” (Psalms 144:1 NASB)
3. Sends Us
When we are going through those tough trials in life, it’s not just to train us. It’s for us to learn and grow from then go out and help those going through the same trials. When we have trusted God and have come through that situation, THEN we can confidently reach others who are going through it. We have full assurance that He will come through. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23 NASB). People can tell when someone genuinely believes in something and who is just reciting head knowledge.
When you’ve been through the storm, you can help others navigate theirs. God never wastes a situation. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NASB
Want more? Check our Ryan’s testimony, it’s powerful:
