Growing Through Trials: The Spiritual Weightlifting

In our spiritual journey, we often encounter tests, trials, and temptations that challenge our faith and resilience. Just as athletes train their bodies to gain physical strength, we too must develop spiritual fortitude through obedience in the face of life’s challenges. As James 1:2–4 reminds us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

The Weightlifting Analogy

Think about it this way: when you start weightlifting, you might manage to handle a max challenge of 120 pounds. But if God aims for you to lift the spiritual equivalent of 160 pounds, you can’t jump straight to that weight without causing serious injury.

For instance, currently, I can leg press 450 pounds, but my goal is to reach 650 pounds. If I were to go to the gym tomorrow and attempt to leg press that extra 200 pounds immediately, I would risk tearing ligaments due to excessive strain on my knees, joints, and muscles. Instead, I have to gradually increase my strength, taking small but consistent steps toward my goal.

In a similar manner, God designs our spiritual training through the trials we face. These are not punishments but rather opportunities for growth. He allows challenges to build us up, ensuring we are strong enough to handle future assignments. As we read in Luke 4:1, “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.” Even Christ faced trials before embarking on His ministry.

Obedience in Testing Times

Now, let’s talk about obedience during these tests. When life throws us curveballs—perhaps someone is spreading lies about you—your instinct might be to confront them, seeking retribution. But instead of reacting in anger, imagine choosing to pray first, asking God for guidance. When you decide to bless those who wronged you, you’ve shifted weights! You’ve just graduated from a 120-pound trial to something a little heavier, showing spiritual muscle by responding with grace instead of retaliation.

However, if you choose the worldly route—confronting that person, engaging in negativity—you stay stagnant, stuck at that 120-pound weight, unable to progress in your spiritual journey.

God’s Timing in Our Growth

When God prepares us for bigger assignments—those 160-pound tasks—He will not overwhelm us. Instead, He supports our growth gradually. He will present challenges that stretch us but are within our capacity to handle. If we haven’t developed the right muscle to withstand the weight of our calling, God may need to move on, seeking others who are ready for the task. What an opportunity we could miss!

Not only do our trials help us grow, but they also serve as a divine strategy to prepare us for what God has called us to do. As seen in 1 Peter 4:1, “Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking…” When we develop the perspective that our trials are not punishment but preparation, we can rejoice in our struggles, knowing they build our character and equip us for God’s purposes.

Count It All Joy

In closing, I urge you to reflect—are you growing through your struggles? Or are you relying solely on your own strength? When you count your trials as joy, you’re not merely enduring them; you’re actively engaging in spiritual training.

Remember, God is crafting you into a strong vessel that can handle more, that can achieve more, and that can glorify Him more.

Are you ready to lift some weights?