Persevering Under Trial

God uses temptation to train us to reign in righteousness; expect it and prepare for it!

Before I was set free, I would continuously fall to temptation. These temptations weren’t training opportunities because I was ensnared.

After I was set free, healed, restored—then came the testing of my freedom. These trials became opportunities to learn and train. I was given the choice to believe God and trust in His ways, stand in Who He is (His goodness and faithfulness) and remain in the costly freedom that I had received.

I want to continue to grow in my journey as a disciple, so I take each lesson seriously, consider what God is working to change in me, welcome it when it comes, and apply it to yet deeper levels.

The most glorious thing is that He is leading the whole thing. This is not a self-improvement track where I’m striving to perfect various areas of myself on my own self-determined schedule. It is a beautiful journey, where relationships and obstacles of life are used in this process of being made more and more into His image, perfectly timed, and I can rest and trust in the whole process because I know the One who is leading me is perfectly wise, perfectly good, and perfectly loving.

Before, I didn’t know when I’d fall again; now I know I can stand firm in strength from God, in the face of disappointment and temptation. I used to need to know my value from others’ affirmation; now I know how valued I am. I used to have turmoil inside as I continuously did things deep down in my heart I didn’t want to do. Now I have such peace.

Truth Weapon to memorize:

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)

Talk with Jesus

As you read today’s verses, bring these questions to Jesus and talk with Him about them.

• As I look at the temptations I wrote down in Day 1, show me where times of temptations have progressed into times of training and strengthening.
• How has my relationship with You (my trust and reliance on You) developed? Show me where Your hand has been in my life, molding and developing my character?
• Show me training opportunities I have missed, and please show me how to make the most of every training opportunity in the future.

Prayer: Train me, oh God. I want the fruit of perseverance, maturity, righteousness, and peace in my life.