No Pain No Gain // James 1:2-3

Today’s verse is one I “wish” wasn’t so, if you know what I mean. I don’t like trials or troubles; in fact, I probably like them at least as little — if not more so — that any other person. What’s kind of strange is how this doesn’t quite line up with my love for fitness and exercise. I know that in order for my heart to beat more effectively, lungs to expand more productively, and muscles to grow more dynamically I must exercise. I actually really like it…I like the fatigue and soreness from a great workout. I can feel the change and know that the old saying, “no pain, no gain,” is true. So why do I resist this in my spiritual life? I think the answer is I can’t control the trials and troubles I face whereas I control the miles I walk or run and the weights I lift, both in size and number. Ok, that makes some sense. So if I struggle with control issues, it’s imperative to remember that God is in control, regardless whatever I face. That helps; therefore, we need to shift our approach to the challenges we face in life from troubles to workouts of faith. This way, whenever we encounter trials of any kind, there is hope that our hearts will pump more effectively, lungs will expand more productively, and our faith muscles can grow bigger. It all comes down to perseverance, and the Holy Spirit wants to surge through your life to make you Jesus strong.