James 1:2 KJV
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations . 

Daily Reading;  Acts 19:21-41, Judges 11:34 – 12:15, Job 40
Professional boxers can be intriguing as they fight in the ring. They artistically blend several skills into a single sequence. They feint a jab, throw a body shot, avoid an incoming hook, and respond with several counter-punches. However, they are able to do all these, because of the time they spend in the gym, devoting themselves to training. And one of the best ways they train is by fighting with a sparring partner. A sparring partner is someone who acts as the boxer’s opponent during  training. A sparring session tries to reflect the actual fighting conditions the boxer will face in the ring. The purpose is to improve the boxer’s current abilities and help him learn new skills. Sparring is the most important exercise available for boxers. It is the fight before the real fight. Hard sparring is essential to sharpen skills and develop true fight shape conditioning. There is no better way to prepare for the sport than to practice the sport. Even when a sparring partner is hitting the boxer hard, he knows it is for his own good, he endures it, knowing that it is only preparing him for the real fight ahead. 

Challenges can be our sparring partners. They train us and prepare us for the battles ahead. The things we pass through now, train us to be stronger for our tomorrow. This is why James 1:2-6 tells us to consider it pure joy, whenever we face fiery trials. The fire is not meant to burn us but to purify us, so that after we have been tried we  can come forth as gold. God sometimes allows these trials,  not to kill us, but to train us. We are God’s army and God has to train His troops. Paul tells us to endure hardship as true soldiers of Christ. This is why we do not  lose heart. Though outwardly it may seem we are perishing, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. We are being strengthened, we are being made stronger. For our light and momentary afflictions are achieving for us a far more eternal weight of glory.

In other words,  after the trial, greater rewards are coming. After the tests come our testimonies. After the rain comes the sunshine. In all that we go through, God works behind the scenes to ensure that it all works out for our good. We are therefore encouraged not to become weary in well doing, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So no matter what you may be going through, keep persevering, knowing that  after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised. 

The wilderness will always precede your promised land. The wilderness is the place of your training. God is taking you somewhere, if He does not train  you now and prepare you, you  may be swallowed by the giants in the land. You will not walk into your Canaan without a fight. And every level comes with new devils. You are being trained at the level where you are now so that you can be able to ascend and prevail when you get to your ordained place.  A fighter who would not train before the fight will most likely lose. God knows the level of oppositions ahead.  The great and effectual door He is opening for you is also coming with many adversaries. And you have to be prepared beforehand to overcome. When the door to become king of Israel was opened for David, it came with many adversaries; including goliath and Saul. 

While in the bush, David had no idea of the future that lay ahead of him, but he was faithful to prepare by fighting the bears and lions. Sometimes it may seem you have been alone in the bush for so long fighting the bears and lions. Be patient, God is training you. Though sometimes you may not understand it, as long as you stay in God’s will, He is working it all out for your good. 

In Jeremiah 29:11 God says ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ God has a plan for you. He is preparing you for where He has prepared for you. No matter the level of success you think you have seen, God still has greater things in store.  For eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, neither has entered into the hearts of men the things which God has prepared for those that love Him. Do you love Him? Then get ready, God is set to give you, eye-popping, ear-tingling, mind-blowing blessings. As long as you love God and you are proving your love through obedience, God Has incredible things lined up for you.  

Every experience is coming to make you stronger and better positioned for where you are going to. We therefore praise God at all times,  trusting that He is working out His perfect plan for us. And no matter what happens, we always remain thankful, for this is God’s will for us in  Christ Jesus.[1 Thess. 5:16-18]

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to be thankful always. I know You are working out your perfect will in my life. I know You are good and too faithful to fail, therefore I trust You with my journey. Let only Your will be done in my life now and always in Jesus name. .   

QUOTE 

Praise always guarantees you power for a raise, learning to praise God in season and out of season is key to fulfilling destiny. – WORDBITE 222.. 

 [ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK TRIUMPH OF LIGHT]