“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1: 2-4, Message Bible)

Perseverance through challenges sure can seem difficult, and this advice might be the last we’d want to take. At those hard times, we may feel like giving up altogether, just letting go of our hope, our faith, our trust in others and ourselves.

But recognize the sheer gift you are being given. Being put to the test means that the very substance of you and your goodness, your understanding, your wisdom, your light, are getting a perfect opportunity to prove themselves. All that you truly are and believe and all that God would have you know even better, are coming up to be more fully realized and refined.

Your true colors are not dark and dreary. Your true colors are vibrant, brilliant, and they will be revealed more vitally at the most difficult and often unexpected times. You will also come to discover new strength, new light, new ways to love and be loved.

Under the pressure of the outside world, the pearl that is you is being formed beautifully, developed fully. It isn’t that we wish for these troubles to come, but that we can look at ourselves and our lives and see that with each struggle has also come an opportunity not only for growth, but also for a wonderful release to God’s plan, one that blesses us and all.

Would you like to explore ideas like these further and really incorporate them into your life? I offer one-on-one discovery sessions, designed to bring clarity and invite more joy and power and purpose into your life TODAY. I’d love to talk with you! Feel free to contact me at lauramoliter@gmail.com and I can tell you more.

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