Everybody goes through trials, tough times that test your faith- ‘the fire’, as the Bible describes it. As a matter of fact, Jesus counselled us to expect these because we are in this world. He said “but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world”.

In an earlier blog post, I emphasized the need for us to believe the words of Christ. The fact is it’s easy to say, harder to follow through.

When a fire is raging your way, do you remember in that moment that you won’t be burnt? Most likely, like Peter, our attention gets consumed by the ferocity of the fire, or the howling of the waves.

Perhaps you can find some solace in my own story. There is this unpleasant situation that I had been facing for months. I prayed, I cried, I screamed… and yet, nothing. Or so it seemed, by the physical eye.

I came to understand that God was building strength and capacity in me, for where He’s taking me. I became a 2.0 version of myself, and that allowed Him to entrust certain things into my hands. I was promoted because now I had sustained the capacity for bigger and better things.

It’s like handing over a car to someone who knows nothing about driving. Most assuredly, they would wreck the car and themselves.

They would first have to subject themselves to the instructions in the drivers’ handbook and begin to implement them successfully. He/she would need to memorize road signs and their meanings. Ultimately, they would need to pass the drivers’ tests to be issued a license to drive. At this point, they now have the capacity to drive a car.

Trials, though unpleasant, are meant to build us. God loves us so much, that He would not see us languishing below our potential. Kings and Priests, He called us. We are meant for exceedingly great things.

I pray for each of us that the Lord will increase our strength and capacity, and grant us the grace to be more.

John 16:33 MSG : I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.