Why Do I Have To Go Through This?

This morning I spent an hour with our HITC students (http://www.coharvest.org/#/bible-college) in my office talking about leadership. Well actually, we talked about some of the tests and trials that leaders must face. Usually when it comes to tests and trials we tend to hide, run from them or simply ignore them. But think for a moment, what's the purpose of tests? Do you really think that they're crush you? I don't think so. The goal of tests is to help us grow, learn and to draw nearer to God. Look at what Romans 5:3-4 tells us, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." It's not a matter of if tests will come, but when. And as you encounter some kind of testing, trial or problem, how are you going to respond and grow? As I look back on some of the tests and trials I've personally faced, as I was going through them it was challenging. Yet when I came through on the other side, I can definitely say that I needed to go through that season. Today you might be going through some sort of test. Well don't despair, but rejoice, because there's a purpose for your testing. And that purpose is your growth and maturity :)