Life tends to have its ups and downs. Sometimes, we may be tempted to feel like it’s all down. We were never created to live a stagnant life of mediocrity and discouragement, but instead to go higher and higher into the life of purpose and significance that is accessed through faith. Trials in our lives can be compared to going to the gym to get a workout. Consider these Scriptures: 

Hebrews 5:8, 9 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. (NLT)

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (NIV)

If only we would take the attitude of David in the Psalms, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Ps 23:4) There is only one real reason why you can face the future with confidence; God is with you and will never forsake you! In this life, going through difficult things is not and if, but when. We must understand that God is like the most excellent trainer that knows how much resistance you need to bring you the most increase! Though pain is not fun, it is what brings gain? Consider these powerful words from apostle Peter: 

1 Pe 2:20b–21 But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. 21 To this, you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 

Wow! “To this, you were called.” Some people subscribe to Christianity because they naïvely think that it will cause them to escape trials. Christianity is not about getting out of tests and trials, but obtaining real purpose and significance! Strenuous training comes with the territory if you’re going to have great triumph! God has called you to a life of winning and to help others to learn to win. To teach others to conquer, you must also go through the training to learn to become a conqueror! 

Maybe this is speaking to you today because you feel surrounded by pressure and resistance. Your trials are not a declaration of your doom but rather a pronouncement of imminent increase! Be sure of this; if God deemed trials and testing necessary for Jesus to come to his fullness and anointing, you can also be sure that the trials and tests you are facing are also announcing your… 

UPCOMING PROMOTION!

If you are blessed by these Encouraging Notes, consider telling your friends and family about www.arthurwilder.com and tell them to click the button ‘JOIN THE LIST.’ Together, we can make a difference!