Finding Hope in the DarkSample

Day 2: Embracing the Process of Transformation

When we don't see the outcome of a process, it's hard to put our faith in it, right? We cling to what we know and desire the certainty of knowing the end goal before we go through it. Yet when we go through suffering, we're often left asking:

"Why am I going through this?"

"What is the point?"

"What's going to come of this?"

While we can't predict the ending of a challenging situation, we do know what is promised to us every single time we endure a trial. James highlights that the testing of our faith through trials produces in us the maturity, beauty, and completeness of Christ. In spite of us not knowing how the image will develop, we know what gets developed in us every time.

When we embrace what God is doing in us through this process, we may not always be able to make meaning out of it but we can choose to release the expectation of needing to know what will happen. We can show up as ourselves and trust our whole self with God. This is not to take away from the reality of suffering or the pain and hurt caused by the dark season. Instead, we bring the honesty and intensity of it to God and allow ourselves to be curious about what will happen.

Where we don't lose hope is in the idea that suffering is not permanent and that transformation is available on the other side of it.

Reflection:
Reflect on a moment of personal growth or transformation from a season of darkness in your life. How did this experience shape your perspective on faith and spirituality? In what ways did it lead to greater self-awareness and authenticity?

Prayer:

Gracious God, thank You for the transformative power of Your love and grace. Guide me through the renewal process, especially when I don't know what it's producing. Grant me the courage to enter the unknown, knowing you will complete the final image.