“God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specifically armed you to go through it, not without pain, but without stain.”- C. S. Lewis
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”- James 1: 2-3
As Laura Story astutely observes in Chapter 15 (“Giving Endurance a Chance to Grow”) of Blessings, who among us would opt to endure trials and tribulations in order to become “mature and complete”? We’d all be tempted to seek an easier avenue. We ask why we need to endure suffering, why our lives simply aren’t filled with only good things.
Reflecting on he childhood, Laura recalls how relatively easy it was to distinguish between good and bad. When we reach adulthood, however, many things fall into the category of bittersweet, with the bitter often predominating. It is during such times that we need to find comfort in the knowledge that God is molding us, that His love sustains us in good times as well as bad. E. Stanley Jones comments on the transformation produced by perseverance:
“Transformation will begin in any life- in yours- when you stand up and say: ‘I’m responsible for the kind of person I am. I am what I’ve wanted to be. Now I’ve changed my mind. I’m sorry for what I have done. I’m going to be different. God help me.”
Today’s question: What is your response to C. S. Lewis’ quote? How can you get through your adversity without stain? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “When healing comes through tears”
