“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

Our Christian journey requires constant growth to develop and mature in the things of God. The word is referred to as food and meat to nourish our spirits in order for us to develop strength and maturity. Paul makes reference to our spirit man being renewed (re-established or revived) daily (2 Corinthians 4:16). One of the ways in which life forces us to grow is through tests. James encouraged us to be joyful when we experience various kinds of trials. “Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]” (James 1:3).

James’s analysis is that when our faith is tested, that it produces endurance which leads to inner peace. How can being tested lead to inner peace? Life will never be without trials and tests, so it is not that we will cease being tested, but that the tests won’t cause us as much distress. Being tested is often an indicator of an area where we need to grow. Once we have accomplished growth in an area, we are likely to cease being tested in that way. Viewing tests and trials from a vantage point of an opportunity for growth will make them more tolerable.

We grow through study and ongoing preparation. The word provides guidance and like an exam, we never approach a test unprepared. How are we staying prepared for the tests of life? Study the word, remain constant in prayer and rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit. In what ways are tests indicating to you that you need to grow and what steps are you taking to grow and make progress?

“Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

Published