Trials Are an Invitation, Not a Punishment

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, because you know that the testing of faith produces endurance. (James 1:2-3)Let's be honest—trials don't feel like gifts. They feel like chaos, disruption, and heartache. Something to be endured, not embraced. But the Book of Joshua highlights a different perspective: even in hardship, even in the middle of the desert, trials can be good because God is at work.In this installment of our "Joshua" devotional series, Pastor Mike Woodruff reflects on second chances—and what it takes to actually grow through them. Israel stood at the Jordan River, frozen, 40 years earlier. They paid a high price for their fear. But now, mercifully, God gives them another chance. Yet a second chance only works if you take advantage of it. That means facing your mistakes, learning from them, and pressing ahead.Pastor Mike recalls Peggy Noonan's hopeful writing during COVID—that we might emerge better, more reflective, more thankful. But years later, that's not what we've seen. Most people didn't emerge stronger. They numbed out, grew more anxious, or settled into soul-dulling patterns. Trials are an opportunity. They're a moment when God has our attention—whispering, sometimes shouting, "Come closer. Let me shape you."You don't have to pretend to enjoy the trial. But you can see it as a sacred moment to grow in maturity, grit, and resilience. The question isn't whether we'll face trials. The question is: when we face them, will we grow through them?Deepest spiritual roots tend to come in times of drought. God doesn't promise to make your life easy—He's more concerned with your character than your comfort. So may the trials you're facing today leave you more humble, more honest, more grateful, and more Christ-like.Don't miss the opportunity to grow.