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

Think back to the moment you gave your life to Christ. You encountered Him, submitted your broken life to Him, and began a new restored life in Him. Some conversion stories happen in the midst of extreme trials and situations, while others happen quietly in a bedroom. Yet both are radical eternal events, and both have important stories that led to that moment in time. It is a moment where eternity is changed!

Yet even though eternity has changed forever, our physical situations might not feel that different. So often when we take that step of faith, we believe that life is supposed to become a magic-carpet ride where everything is full of roses, chocolate, and will be easy as pie. This is not the case.

Scripture tells us that once we become believers, the spiritual battle still wages. You will face trials and tests. You will face giants and opposition. Yet still, Scripture tells us to “Count it all joy…” We are called to have joy despite the fight. We are called to embrace the fight because it is where we are refined, our testimony is strengthened, and glory is given to God. We are called to press into Him in our weakness, fears, and doubts, and He’s able to carry you through no matter the situation.

This week when we face trials and tests, whether we understand or not, let’s press into the fight and lay all of it at the feet of Christ. Let’s submit all of our fears and struggles to Him, knowing that our present reality is not our eternal reality in Him.