The popular saying at one time to inspire anyone facing a challenging situation, was: When the going gets tough, the tough get going”, which, true to form with the perceptive humour of human nature, soon became, “When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping”, fairly summing up how little appetite people generally have for facing trouble or adversity.

 

For the Christian who has experienced trials – is there anyone who hasn’t – they will know that it’s a test of faith and it can be very difficult to do as James urges “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” (James 1:1) to “consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials of many kinds,” even if you already believe “that the testing of your faith develops perseverance …” (James 1:2-3) No doubt James speaks from personal experience.

 

The irony of enduring a trial is that at a time of crisis, when we are struggling – on whatever level – we are challenged to be strong, to search deep, and fight to survive; but it’s as we cling to our faith, that we can discover that we truly “have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives [us].” (Philippians 4:13, GNT) We learn things that we wouldn’t ordinarily learn in good circumstances; and, just as our physical muscles strengthen each time we train, so we grow increasingly stronger in spirit and faith with each new trial.

 

For 26-year-old Katherine Wolf, (to whom I referred yesterday) unable to walk, talk or swallow as she lay in ICU for 40 days, after suffering a massive brain stem stroke, it’s hard to know when the full reality of this immense trial penetrated her consciousness, but over the years of excruciatingly slow progress, and setbacks, (she is now 43-years-old) she has grown in faith and new ability and can embrace her new life as a new person. Walter Elliot’s words best describe the kind of trial Katherine experienced: “Perseverance is not a long race; it’s many short races one after the other.”

 

She discovered that James 1:4 (GNT), “Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing,” was a key verse in helping her persevere positively as she faced many more challenges. It helped her mould her perspective as she worked with hope on healing her body and mind, learning to walk, talk and eat again.

 

In Katherine’s words: “Brokenness can lead to a kind of healing that makes us more whole than we ever were before the breaking … The best fruit in my life grew from the soil of my worst moments.”

 

How are we dealing with our worst moments? We can trust Jesus: he encourages anyone experiencing trouble or adversity. He knows where we are. "... in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

 

Prayer: Loving Father, may you strengthen me as you heal my brokenness and help me to persevere under trial to receive the crown of life that Jesus has promised those who love him. Amen