Growing in Christ

The fruit of the Spirit in our lives is the evidence of godly character and spiritual maturity.

James understood this when he wrote, “My brothers, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them happy who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the purpose of the Lord, that the Lord is very gracious and merciful.” James teaches us that we develop maturity through a process of endurance and struggle.

Paul was able to declare, “For I have learned in whatever state I am to be content,” because he had learned contentment in life’s less-than-desirable circumstances. In that statement, he confirms that contentment is a learned virtue and must be developed. It is the same with all godly virtues and characteristics.

Sometimes trials are God’s way of pruning us so we will bear more fruit. Other times they purify us and make us more Christlike.

It all comes down to how we respond to the trial. Our response determines our entire spiritual future. Respond with doubt, giving up, or our own effort, and we only get deeper into trouble.

If we yield ourselves to the process, the Holy Spirit uses our trials and suffering to accomplish God’s highest will and purpose in our lives.

No one likes to struggle and endure hardship. Did you wake up this morning and ask God to send you a massive problem? Of course not; they come when least expected. Remember what the apostle Paul said of his sufferings.

Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I suffered shipwreck; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by my own countrymen, in perils by the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brothers; in weariness and painfulness, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness. Beside the external things, the care of all the churches pressures me daily. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I am not distressed?

Paul didn’t wake up one day and ask for any of those challenges, and you likely won’t either. When you go through a trial or struggle, what are your options? You can give up on your faith walk and stop honoring Jesus. But where is that going to get you? Right back where you started: miserable. Or you can press on in faith, knowing the Lord is with you. Jesus promised that He would never leave you, ever. Trust the One who is trustworthy.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say rejoice!—Philippians 4:4

Daily question: Think about the world in which Paul lived when the Spirit of God instructed him to tell the church to rejoice. How does this change your perspective on rejoicing in the circumstances of your life?