There’s a song by a gospel group, The Clark Sisters, that came to my mind the other day. It’s called “Is My Living In Vain”. The song is about the road many believers walk when we begin to get serious about our faith. Are the things I have been commissioned to do all in vain? What is the point of studying the word, praying, and fasting when I’m still struggling? It seems like now that I’ve decided to live for God more things and people are coming against me than when I lived in darkness. When the Lord has called you out of your old life and you begin a new journey with him, the transformation begins internally.
You Will Have Trials
When you’re on the road of transformation you don’t see results right away and it may lead you to question your faith. Scripture reassures us that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope (Romans 5:3-4). There’s something produced by struggles that ultimately creates the character God needs us to be in order to receive and accomplish his purpose. If we keep holding on to him, we will receive our reward.
James 1: 2-4 says,
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”.
It’s for Purpose
When we persevere under trials the reward is more. God can trust us to handle the more. I really like the MSG bible versions of James 1: 12, “Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.
The things that happened to us were necessary so that we can change. That change comes only when we persevere. I always say there are three options you have when something out of your control happens to us. The first option is to become a victim and rest in the defeat of the hurt and pain. The second option is to become angry and bitter allowing the hurt to vilify you. The third option is to accept the hurt, grow from it, and become.
Perseverance Produces Character
The first two options have been my default for years. It wasn’t until I received the hope of Christ that I realized I am more than what I’ve been through, what people said about me, and even what I think about myself. I am who God says I am. It may not look like what God has promised you at the moment, but if you persevere you will develop and become the person needed to maintain what God has promised to give you.
What if Joseph would’ve given up after his brothers sold him into slavery, or when he was falsely accused and thrown into prison because of Potiphar’s wife? He may have never become governor of Egypt and saved his family. Giving up is not an option because your victory is more about the people connected to it than yourself.
The last verse in the outro of the song repeats, ”It’s not all in vain”. The very last verse says, “‘Cause’ up the road is eternal gain”. The hope is more life. The hope is knowing that the pain is temporary. The circumstances shape you to become who God knows you to be.
