Inconvenient Truths

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The older I become the more convinced I am that much of the growth in my life has occurred due to inconvenient truths that emerge in hard times. I would really like to deny this because I like calm waters and smooth sailing and seeing anything about myself that needs changing is never pleasant. Many people become Christians and believe that their lives will be problem free, but Jesus promises that persecution will come for those that are His (John 15:20). If I’m truly His, why should I expect my life to be free of trouble? Jesus also says in His sermon on the Mount that I’m blessed if I’m persecuted for righteousness’ sake, and I’m blessed when people insult me and say all sorts of things about me that aren’t true in an attempt to persecute me—as a result my reward will be great in the kingdom of heaven, even if it feels like hell while I’m here on the earth. James 1:2-4 offers me a different perspective on trials than I usually choose: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (NASB). I will keep reminding myself of this as I see inconvenient truths about myself because I know that He disciplines me because He loves me; if He loves me, it’s really not so inconvenient after all, is it?

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