Refining Trials

“My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come your way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure.”
‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭

This scripture has came up a lot in the past few days in different devotions and readings I
have been in. When this happens twice, I often consider a coincidence but three or more and I generally start looking for what God is trying to get my attention about.

I can identify a few trials God might be getting my attention about. I have been under or am currently facing several personally and professionally. Trials where I have been feeling correction and pruning. Tests about which step to take. I also know this time of year can be challenging for me. I’ve recognized the pattern. Being away from family seems to make this year feel harder.

I am not sure I would say that my faith is succeeding. My emotions have been getting the best of me the past few weeks. Then again, maybe I am looking at these trials and my “success in faith” wrong. I say that because although at times my actions fail, my faith that God has me through the trial has not wavered. I am still here, searching for His guidance and direction. I’m still trusting Him to see me through, to help me endure until the end of these trials.

I love how the Message Version expands on this passage: “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭4‬

Under pressure, my faith life has been forced open. I’ve showed some true colors and well, let’s just say I have some pretty messy colors. A few days ago, I felt the revelation, “I am in a refining state.” God is pulling out, though these test and trials some impurities in me. He is strengthening me for the next season.

Despite my momentary failures, and that I don’t like these feelings, I have recognized I don’t want to escape the tests and trials prematurely. I know I don’t want to walk around these mountains again. I know I will face other fires, more imperfections will arise as I draw closer to God. They may be smaller but they are deeper engrained.

I also have asked others to lift me up in prayer, because I also don’t want to stay in these trials longer than I have too. I want to stay in this as long as is necessary for God to bring me through. I’ll stay as long as is necessary for me to learn the lessons and grow in the areas where He is developing or refining my character. I want to get everything in this season that is needed for Him to lead me in the next.

Prayer – Lord I know, You know that these tests and trials I am under can only be endured with You. I am not saying it is a joy yet, but I do believe it is necessary for where You are leading me. I can find joy in knowing that You are with me, and that You can guide me through every step of every circumstance I am facing. Lord, let my faith succeed, mature me and develop me into what You designed me for, prepare me for the next season we will walk in together.